In a major statistical system overhaul, govt plans to merge CSO, NSSO

The merged entity to be called NSO according to an order passed on May 23

To streamline and strengthen the statistical system, the government has decided to merge the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to form a National Statistical Office (NSO).

The move is a follow-up of a decision taken in 2005, during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s tenure, which was based on recommendations of the report of the National Statistical Commission, headed by former Reserve Bank of India governor C Rangarajan.

Both the wings are currently part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). While the NSSO comes out with various sample surveys such as on consumption