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Census of India and NSSO

Census of India and role of NSSO in data collection.

Notes

Census of India and NSSO

Class 11 Statistics — Census of India, National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), and Merger with CSO

Census of India

Regularly conducted every 10 years since 1881.

First Census after Independence: 1951.

Conducted by: Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under Ministry of Home Affairs.

Collects info on: size, density, sex ratio, literacy, migration, rural-urban distribution, etc.

One of the largest administrative exercises in the world.

Data used for administration, planning, policy making, management and evaluation of government programmes.

Census provides the most complete and continuous demographic record of population. Indian Census has been a fascinating source of data to scholars and researchers in demography, economics, anthropology, sociology, statistics and many other disciplines.

Census 2011 — Key Statistics

1,21,01,93,422

Total Population

62,37,24,248

Males

58,64,69,174

Females

2011 (15th Census)

7th after Independence

India ranks number 1 in the world by population (estimated 1,43,20,19,742 as on 4th October 2023).

Census 2021 has been postponed due to COVID-19 until further orders.

NSSO — History and Purpose

1

1950

National Sample Survey (NSS) set up on recommendations of National Income Committee, chaired by Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis.

2

March 1970

NSS reorganised as National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).

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Purpose: To fill gaps in statistical data for computation of national income aggregates, especially unorganised/household sector.

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NSSO is the largest organisation in India conducting regular socio-economic surveys.

NSSO functions under Ministry of Statistics and Programmed Implementation. It conducts nationwide surveys on socio-economic issues. Data is released through reports and its quarterly journal 'Sarvekshana'.

Three Types of Surveys:

  • Socio-economic surveys: Entire responsibility from design to release in NSSO's hands.
  • Annual Survey of Industries: NSSO entrusted with field data collection only.
  • Agricultural surveys: NSSO entrusted with field data collection only.

NSSO — Activities and Divisions

Activities (6)

  • Carries out multi-subject integrated socio-economic surveys.
  • Undertakes field work for Annual Survey of Industries and follow-up surveys of Economic Census.
  • Conducts sample checks on area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of State Statistical agencies.
  • Prepares urban frames useful in drawing of urban samples.
  • Collects price data from rural and urban sectors.
  • Conducts ad-hoc surveys and pilot enquiries for methodological studies.

Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD)

Field Operations Division (FOD)

Data Processing Division (DPD)

Co-ordination and Publication Division (CPD)

NSSO — Organisational Structure and Merger

Governing Council

  • 5 academicians
  • 5 data users from Central and State Government departments
  • Senior officers of the Ministry
  • Headed by: Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG & CEO)
  • Assisted by: Co-ordination and Publication Division (CPD)
NSSO used to work under Ministry of Statistics. On 23rd May 2019, the Indian Government merged NSSO with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to form the National Statistical Office (NSO). NSO is headed by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
In India and abroad, NSSO has become synonymous with reliable estimates on various aspects of economic and social life based on large scale sample surveys.