The debate on India's statistical system and data
The recent debate on India's statistical system and data has highlighted the importance of accurate and reliable data for policy formulation, implementation, and research. The three main issues emerging from the debate are: Quality and credibility of data: The accuracy and credibility of data are essential for policy formulation, implementation, and research. Surveys, especially household surveys, face credibility questions regarding sample selection, geographical representation, urban and rural strata, and non-response. Discrepancies in data from multiple agencies: Multiple agencies provide data on the same set of indicators for the same sector, but they often produce different numbers. This discrepancy poses challenges in choosing an appropriate data set for formulating policies. Competence and ability to generate high-quality data: The competence and ability of the statistical system to generate high-quality data are concerning. Surveys and data publication have faced delays, impa…