The National Statistical Office (NSO) is India’s central statistical agency, functioning under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It is responsible for:
- Data Collection and Surveys: Conducts large-scale surveys such as the National Sample Survey (NSS), Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), Population Census, and Economic Census.
- Compilation and Publication: Compiles and publishes vital statistics like GDP, Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
- Data Dissemination: Provides data to policymakers, researchers, and the public through publications and the official website.
- Statistical Standards and Coordination: Develops statistical standards and coordinates with other government and state agencies to ensure data uniformity.
- Policy Support and Advisory Role: Offers statistical support and advice to government agencies for policy formulation and evaluation.
Significance:
- Economic Planning and Policy Making: Crucial for informed decision-making and economic planning.
- Research and Analysis: Widely used by researchers and analysts.
- Transparency and Accountability: Enhances governance transparency through reliable data dissemination.