The government has decided to merge the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) with the Central Statistics Office (CSO)under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The order dated 23rd May 2019 has cleared formation of an overarching body – National Statistical Office (NSO) through the merger of the NSSO and the CSO.
- The order states that the proposed NSO would be headed by Secretary (Statistics and Programme Implementation), but skips any mention of National Statistical Commission (NSC), which has been the overseeing body for all the statistical work done in the country.
- The order also does not equate the Secretary (Statistics and Programme Implementation) with the Chief Statistician of India as was done in the earlier resolution notified by the MoSPI on 1st June, 2005.
- There is a concern that with the merger of NSSO and CSO, the autonomy of NSSO will go away and the NSC’s control over NSSO will not be there. NSC oversees all technical aspects of the statistical work–which survey needs to be done, when and how it needs to be done.