Data bites

Releasing the data entailed more drama. Pujari called the conference, briefed the media, gave numbers and stood for camera bytes. But wire reporters soon realised that there was a difference in the numbers he gave out and what was given in the press release. Realising the mistake, Pujari asked the media to wait for a clarification. After almost half an hour, an email and SMS came from a Press Information Bureau Director saying the data on the official press release was correct. Now, the DGFT had briefed the media along with two junior colleagues, of whom one is the commerce ministry's financial advisor and the other is from the Central Statistical Organisation. Yet, none of the three appeared to be sure of the numbers. But of course, the confusion did not surprise reporters covering the ministry of commerce and industry. This is the same ministry that goofed up in 2011-12 by overstating exports by $9 billion.