National Sample Survey (NSS): Role, Divisions, and Key Socio-Economic Surveys in India

Relevance: GS Paper III Indian Economy and Issues Relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)’s National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducts the National Sample Survey (NSS), which is essential for producing timely, accurate, and policy-relevant data on India’s socioeconomic circumstances. A pillar of India’s official statistical system, the NSS was founded in 1950 by P.C. Mahalanobis and conducts extensive sample surveys on a variety of topics, including consumer spending, employment and unemployment, health, education, housing, agriculture, and more.

About NSS

Statistics and Program Implementation Ministry. Under the direction of a director general, this office is in charge of conducting extensive sample surveys throughout India.

• Household surveys on socioeconomic topics, such as those on family planning, fertility, migration, births, deaths, and population. surveys pertaining to agriculture, livestock, and land ownership.
• For instance, gathering rural retail prices in rural areas and non-agricultural businesses in the unorganized sector. Information about the infrastructure facilities that are available in Indian villages.

Four Divisions of NSS:

• Survey Coordination Division (SCD): Based in New Delhi, this division oversees all NSS divisional operations.
• Field Operations Division (FOD): This division is in charge of gathering primary data and has its headquarters in Delhi/Faridabad.
• Survey Design and Research Division (SDRD): Based in Kolkata, this division is in charge of technical survey planning, concept and definition development, sampling design, and other related tasks.
• Data Processing Division (DPD): Based in Kolkata, this division is in charge of software development, data processing, validation, and tabulation in addition to sample selection.

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Important NSS Surveys

Annual Survey of Industries (ASI): To analyze and evaluate shifts in the growth, composition, and structure of the organized manufacturing sector.

• Price Survey (Warehouse Price Index, AL/RL Consumer Price Index, and Urban & Rural Consumer Price Index)
• Urban Frame Survey (Phase 2022-27): To create and update a trustworthy sampling frame for urban areas, which is essential for conducting socio-economic surveys. The main source of labor force statistics has been the 2017 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).

Mains: 

Question: Examine the role of the National Sample Survey (NSS) in shaping socio-economic policymaking in India. How does it contribute to evidence-based governance?

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MCQs:

Question: With reference to the National Sample Survey (NSS), consider the following statements:

1. It was established in 1950 by P.C. Mahalanobis as part of India’s official statistical system.
2. It is conducted by the National Statistical Commission under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. The NSS collects data on employment-unemployment, health, education, and agriculture.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

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