He is chancellor, Central University of Gujarat.
The National Sample Survey needs to be kept above the realm of politics
The Indian National Sample Survey is respected the world over. Not just because of its size, but also for its sample design, that uses methods honed by some of the world’s most reputed statisticians.
We have seen and heard many strange notions and events in the last quinquennium — and, it must be admitted, we are lucky in saving money otherwise spent on entertainment because of such bizarreness around us in ready supply. For, where else would political news provide such fun, other than in Bharatvarsha? But, the notion that the largest sample statistical survey in the world — our National Sample Survey — is fake news, takes the cake and can only lead to much merriment.
The Indian National Sample Survey is respected the world over. Not just because of its size, but also for its sample design, that uses methods honed by some of the world’s most reputed statisticians. Also, it is well known for methods that keep a tight control on errors. That the statement — of NSS being “fake news” — comes from an authority-figure like a Union minister, only adds to the merriment and is laughable.
There is no other way to treat this news. Otherwise, one can only cry. Perhaps that will become imperative once we are told that the weather is also fake news. Although that is a statement I need to believe. With one of my lungs working at 40 per cent efficiency level, as I breathe the Delhi air on my walks, I really need to believe that Delhi air, with all its pollution levels is, in fact, “fake news”.
On a more serious note, though, since all parties play around with statistics and quote numbers only when it suits them, should we not pressurise and ensure that some areas be kept above politics, as in most civilised countries? Just as in the case of the meteorological department, if the measuring rod is destroyed, we have no way of actually telling the weather. We would have to rely only on speculations.
Is debunking adversaries in democratic societies, particularly as it gets closer to election time, clever? Criticism of opponents is the essence of politics in free societies. But if all of it is wild criticism with little to do with reality, then such criticism simply appeals to a fanatical fringe.
The derision of an opponent regime is one issue. But the reversal of institutions is entirely another. For instance, V P Singh’s regime derided technology planning, abolished five-year plans, went slow on Panchayati raj and stopped action on the zonal agro-climatic plans, much to the chagrin of environmentalists like Anil Agarwal. The additional secretary in charge of banking left because he felt unfair critiques led to the run on the rupee in the early Nineties.
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