Trust in Official Statistics

Why statistical independence matters, controversies over withheld Indian data in 2019, and how countries build trust in official numbers.

Statistics are only useful if people trust them.

Controversies

In January 2019, two members of the National Statistical Commission resigned, reportedly over delays in releasing the PLFS jobs survey, which leaked reports said showed unemployment at a 45-year high. The government later released the data.
The scrapped 2017-18 consumption survey.
The GDP methodology debate.

Why trust matters

Investors rely on data.
Policymakers need accurate signals.
Citizens judge government performance.

Building trust

Independent statistical agencies with legal protections.
Transparent methods and release calendars.
Pre-announced release dates that don’t depend on results.
Open data for researchers.
Peer review of methods.

International standards

The UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (2014) emphasise professional independence and equal access.

India’s steps

MoSPI has increased data releases, including a monthly PLFS from 2025, and published advance release calendars.

The leaked report

When a jobs survey showing high unemployment was delayed before an election, commission members resigned, raising public doubts about data independence.

Thinking statistics are always neutral

Independence and transparency are needed to maintain trust.

Key takeaways

NSC members resigned in 2019 over delayed jobs data.
Trust matters for investors, policy and citizens.
Independence, transparency and release calendars build trust.
India expanded releases, including monthly PLFS from 2025.