National Statistical Office under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has taken several measures to modernise official statistical system through greater use of digital technologies

Key Highlights:

• The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is modernizing India's official statistical system.
• Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) is adopted for surveys, enabling real-time monitoring and in-built validation checks.
• Administrative records like GSTN and Census 2011 are increasingly used to create robust sampling frames for surveys.
• Statistical Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF), based on UN NQAF, ensures quality and adherence to UNFPOS.
• National Metadata Structure (NMDS 2.0) and a Metadata Web Portal (MWP) promote data standardization and discoverability.
• Public access is enhanced through the eSankhyiki Portal, revamped Microdata Portal, and the GoIStat Mobile App.
• An Advance Release Calendar (ARC) on the MoSPI website provides transparency on statistical publication schedules.

Detailed Insights:

• CAPI adoption improves data quality by validating information at the point of collection, reducing processing time, and facilitating faster dissemination.
• Automation of various survey stages, from sample selection to data processing, enhances overall efficiency and accuracy of statistical operations.
• Integration of administrative datasets with sample surveys strengthens sampling frames, improving survey efficiency and timely compilation of official statistics.
• The SQAF provides a comprehensive framework to infuse greater efficiency, reliability, and accountability into official statistics.
• NMDS 2.0 aims for uniform data representation, clarity on data sources, and enhanced discoverability of datasets across government bodies.
• The eSankhyiki Portal serves as a single platform for dissemination, hosting numerous datasets with APIs, data visualizations, and metadata.
• The revamped Microdata Portal offers access to anonymized unit-level data from over 189 socio-economic surveys for researchers and public.
• MoSPI utilizes diverse communication platforms, including social media, podcasts, and exhibitions, to maximize outreach and public engagement.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Statistical Office (NSO): The central agency responsible for collecting, compiling, and disseminating official statistics in India.
• Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI): A data collection method where interviewers use electronic devices to record responses directly.
• Statistical Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF): A framework developed by MoSPI to ensure quality, reliability, and accountability in official statistics.
• eSankhyiki Portal: A single online platform for the dissemination of official statistics by MoSPI, offering various data products and tools.