The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the

Central Statistics Office (CSO): Pillars of India's

Statistical System (Now largely integrated into the
NSO)
The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) were two
key organizations that formed the backbone of India's statistical system. While they have now
been largely integrated into the National Statistical Office (NSO), understanding their individual
roles and functions is crucial for comprehending the evolution of India's statistical landscape.
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO): Unearthing Insights Through Surveys
The NSSO, established in 1950, was the primary agency responsible for conducting large-scale
sample surveys across the country. Its core function was to collect data on a wide range of
socio-economic aspects, providing valuable insights into the lives and livelihoods of the Indian
population.
Key Functions of NSSO:
1.​ Designing and Conducting Surveys: NSSO meticulously designed survey
methodologies, including sampling frames, questionnaires, and data collection protocols.
It conducted nationwide surveys on diverse topics, ensuring representative samples to
capture the heterogeneity of India's population.
2.​ Household Surveys: A significant focus of NSSO was on household surveys, gathering
data on various aspects of household living, such as:
○​ Employment and Unemployment: Measuring the labor force participation,
unemployment rates, and the nature of employment in both rural and urban areas.
○​ Consumer Expenditure: Assessing household spending patterns on various
goods and services, providing insights into living standards and consumption
trends.
○​ Health and Education: Collecting data on access to healthcare, education levels,
and other social indicators.
○​ Socio-Economic Indicators: Gathering information on a range of socio-economic
variables, enabling analysis of poverty, inequality, and other critical issues.
3.​ Enterprise Surveys: NSSO also conducted surveys of industrial and business
establishments, collecting data on economic activities in various sectors. These surveys
provided information on production, employment, investment, and other key indicators of
business performance.
4.​ Agricultural Surveys: Recognizing the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy,
NSSO conducted surveys related to crop production, land use, irrigation, and other
agricultural practices. This data was crucial for assessing agricultural output and planning
for food security.
5.​ Data Processing and Publication: NSSO processed the data collected from its surveys,
ensuring data quality and consistency. It then published reports and statistical tables,
making the data accessible to researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Central Statistics Office (CSO): Compiling the Nation's Economic Pulse
The CSO, established in 1951, was primarily responsible for compiling and maintaining national
accounts statistics. It provided a comprehensive picture of the Indian economy, tracking its
performance and identifying key trends.
Key Functions of CSO:
1.​ Compilation of National Accounts: CSO calculated key macroeconomic aggregates,
including:
○​ Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Measuring the total value of goods and services
produced in the country.
○​ National Income: Estimating the total income earned by a nation's residents.
○​ Capital Formation: Tracking investments in the economy.
2.​ Index of Industrial Production (IIP): CSO compiled and released the IIP, which
measures the growth of the industrial sector. This index is an important indicator of
industrial activity and overall economic health.
3.​ Consumer Price Index (CPI): (Initially compiled by CSO, now primarily handled by NSO)
CSO played a role in compiling CPI, which measures changes in the price level of a
basket of goods and services consumed by households. CPI is a crucial indicator of
inflation and its impact on the population.
4.​ Statistical Standards and Methodologies: CSO contributed to the development and
maintenance of statistical standards and methodologies, ensuring consistency and
comparability in economic statistics.
Integration into the National Statistical Office (NSO): A Streamlined Approach
In recent years, the NSSO and CSO have been largely integrated into the National Statistical
Office (NSO). This merger was aimed at streamlining the statistical system, improving
coordination, and enhancing the efficiency of data collection and dissemination. The NSO now
carries out the functions previously handled by both NSSO and CSO, creating a more unified
and robust statistical framework for India.
Key Benefits of Integration:
●​ Improved Coordination: The merger facilitates better coordination between different
statistical activities, reducing duplication of efforts and improving data consistency.
●​ Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlining the statistical system leads to greater efficiency in
data collection, processing, and dissemination.
●​ Strengthened Data Quality: The integrated structure allows for greater focus on data
quality and methodological improvements.
●​ Timely Data Release: The unified framework is expected to improve the timeliness of
data release, enabling more effective policymaking.
While the NSSO and CSO no longer exist as separate entities, their contributions to India's
statistical system remain significant. Their legacy continues to shape the work of the NSO,
providing a strong foundation for generating reliable and relevant statistics that inform policy and
development in India.