National Sample Survey Marks 75 Years of Data Excellence

Celebrating 75 years of NSS

National Sample Survey Marks 75 Years of Data Excellence: The National Sample Survey (NSS) has completed 75 years of its service to India’s data system. It was founded in 1950 by the renowned statistician P.C. Mahalanobis, with a vision to gather reliable economic and social data across India through scientific random sampling methods.

Since its inception, NSS has become India’s largest ongoing statistical operation, guiding policies and programs across ministries.

Institutional Setup and Governance

NSS functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It is headed by a Director General, who oversees the conduct of large-scale national surveys.

The NSSO is known for collecting robust, sample-based data across multiple domains, helping bridge the data gap in India’s development discourse.

Static GK fact: P.C. Mahalanobis is also known as the father of Indian statistics and was a key member of India’s Second Five-Year Plan.

Scope and Types of Surveys

NSS covers a wide range of survey areas:

• Household surveys: Collecting data on socio-economic indicators like population, fertility, mortality, family planning, and migration.
• Agriculture and landholding surveys: Capturing critical insights into rural livelihoods and livestock ownership.
• Enterprise and establishment surveys: Especially focused on the unorganized non-agricultural sector.
• Village infrastructure surveys: Documenting public services and basic infrastructure in rural India.

Static GK Tip: The NSS is a key input source for India’s National Accounts Statistics and various welfare scheme evaluations.

Key Divisions of NSS

NSS operates through four major divisions, each with a distinct role:

• Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD) – Based in Kolkata, it designs surveys and defines sampling frameworks.
• Field Operations Division (FOD) – Headquartered in Delhi/Faridabad, it manages on-ground data collection.
• Data Processing Division (DPD) – Also in Kolkata, this unit processes raw data, develops software, and compiles reports.
• Survey Coordination Division (SCD) – Located in New Delhi, it integrates and monitors survey activities across units.

Flagship Surveys and Initiatives

Some of the most critical national surveys are conducted under the NSS umbrella:

• Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Initiated in 2017, it is the main source of data on employment and unemployment in India.
• Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) – Helps track the structural shifts in organized manufacturing sectors.
• Urban Frame Survey (2022–27) – Aims to build a modern sampling frame for urban surveys.
• Price Surveys – Includes Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban and rural populations, CPI for Agricultural and Rural Labourers, and Wholesale Price Index (WPI).

These surveys serve as a foundation for economic planning, academic research, and international data commitments.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

National Sample Survey Marks 75 Years of Data Excellence: