India’s recent unanimous election to the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC) after two decades is significant as it provides an opportunity for the country to play a crucial role in setting international statistical standards and redefining GDP measurement. In this essay, we will discuss what the UNSC is, its functions, objectives, significance, and India’s role in the organization.
What is the United Nations Statistical Commission?
The United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC), founded in 1947, serves as the highest decision-making body for international statistical activities. Its primary purpose is to promote the development of national statistical systems and improve statistics at the international level. The UNSC provides a platform for member states to share their experiences and challenges in producing and using statistics and to develop best practices.
Functions of the UNSC
The UNSC has several functions, including:
Membership: The UNSC consists of 24 member states, which are elected by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a term of four years. Members are selected based on their expertise and experience in statistics and their commitment to advancing statistical development.
Working Methods: The UNSC holds an annual session to discuss and decide on statistical issues and priorities. The session includes formal meetings, side events, and seminars. The UNSC also establishes and oversees several expert groups and task forces, which provide technical guidance and support for statistical activities.
Priorities and Work Programme: The UNSC sets priorities for statistical development based on global and regional needs and priorities. It also develops a work programme to guide its activities for the upcoming year, which includes topics such as data quality, statistical capacity building, and the use of new technologies.
Global Coordination Mechanisms: The UNSC coordinates with other United Nations bodies, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to ensure that statistical activities are aligned with broader development goals. It also collaborates with regional and international organizations to promote harmonization and standardization of statistical methods and data.
Data Dissemination: The UNSC promotes the dissemination of high-quality and reliable statistics through various channels, such as online databases, publications, and data portals. It also provides guidance on data dissemination policies and practices to member states, including guidelines on data confidentiality, data accessibility, and data quality.
Capacity Building: The UNSC plays a crucial role in building statistical capacity in developing countries by providing technical assistance, training, and resources. It also promotes the exchange of knowledge and expertise between member states and facilitates partnerships between national statistical offices, development agencies, and other stakeholders.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The UNSC monitors and evaluates progress in statistical development at the global and national levels, using a range of indicators and benchmarks. It also conducts periodic reviews of statistical activities in member states, to assess the quality and relevance of statistics and identify areas for improvement. The UNSC uses these reviews to provide feedback and support to member states in enhancing their statistical systems.
India’s Role in the United Nations Statistical Commission
- India is a member of the United Nations and follows the statistical standards issued by the Commission on various thematic areas.
- Two prominent statisticians from India have chaired the Commission in the past: P.C. Mahalanobis and V.R. Rao.
- P.C. Mahalanobis chaired the eighth and ninth sessions of the Commission in 1954 and 1956 respectively.
- Mahalanobis formed a sub-commission on statistical sampling, which enabled the use of sample surveys in various official statistics fields.
- V.R. Rao chaired the 19th session of the Commission in 1976 and strengthened statistical organizations in many developing countries across different regions.
- Rao’s efforts were especially significant in establishing household sample surveys.
Why In News
The election of India to the United Nations Statistical Commission after a two-decade gap is crucial for establishing global statistical standards and redefining GDP measurement. Understanding the United Nations Statistical Commission’s role, objectives, and India’s contribution to the organization is vital, especially for the international relations segment of the IAS exam.
MCQs about India’s Role in the United Nations Statistical Commission
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What is the United Nations Statistical Commission?
A. An organization that sets international standards for statistics
B. An organization that monitors world economy and trade
C. An organization that promotes global health and education
D. An organization that focuses on international diplomacy and conflict resolution
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What is the significance of India’s election to the United Nations Statistical Commission?
A. It helps in setting international statistical standards and redefining GDP measurement
B. It promotes global health and education
C. It monitors world economy and trade
D. It focuses on international diplomacy and conflict resolution
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What is the relevance of the United Nations Statistical Commission for the IAS exam international relations segment?
A. It is important to understand the functions and objectives of the organization
B. It is important to understand India’s role in the organization
C. It is important to understand the significance of the organization
D. All of the above
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What is the United Nations Statistical Commission’s main function?
A. To promote the development and coordination of national statistical activities
B. To monitor world economy and trade
C. To promote global health and education
D. To focus on international diplomacy and conflict resolution
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