What was the rationale behind merging CSO and NSSO into the National Statistical Office (NSO)?

What was the rationale behind merging CSO and NSSO into the National Statistical Office (NSO)?

Answer:

The merger of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) into a single body called the National Statistical Office (NSO) was announced in May 2019 under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

• Background:

  • CSO: Responsible for National Accounts Statistics, GDP, IIP, inflation data, environment statistics, and surveys like ASI.

  • NSSO: Conducted large-scale sample surveys (employment, consumption, health, education, informal sector, etc.).

• Rationale for merger:

  1. Integration of statistical functions: To bring data collection (NSSO) and compilation (CSO) under one umbrella.

  2. Reduce duplication: Earlier, there was some overlap and fragmentation of responsibilities.

  3. Improve coordination: A single NSO ensures standardized methods, better quality control, and uniform statistical standards.

  4. Global practice: Most countries (e.g., UK ONS, US BEA/BLS collaboration) have unified statistical agencies for credibility.

  5. Strengthen credibility: Indian statistics had faced credibility concerns (GDP revision debates, survey data withholding). A unified body was expected to enhance professional independence and transparency.

👉 Thus, the merger aimed to create a stronger, integrated, and modernized statistical system in India.

Cross-question:

Has this structural change improved the quality and timeliness of statistics?

• Positive outcomes:

  1. Better coordination → Surveys like PLFS, ASI, and GDP estimation are now more streamlined.

  2. Faster dissemination → Quarterly PLFS reports and more timely GDP/IIP releases.

  3. Consistency → Same office handling both survey and national accounts ensures consistency in methodology.

• Challenges remain:

  1. Perception issues: Concerns over data withholding (e.g., 2017–18 Consumer Expenditure Survey not released).

  2. Autonomy debate: Critics argue NSO still functions under MoSPI → risk of government influence.

  3. Capacity constraints: Sample size, field staff training, and digital data collection need further strengthening.

👉 So while the merger improved integration and timeliness to some extent, ensuring independence, transparency, and adequate resources remains crucial for NSO’s credibility.