Devising a Proper Classification of Services (Para 7.2.10)
The work of identification and the preparation of a list of new activities in the Services Sector that are coming into existence should be carried out on a regular basis.
All such activities should be assigned proper codes within the framework of National Industrial Classification (NIC) and International Classification, periodically by the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) for the benefit of user organisations with a view to maintaining international comparability.
The suggested list of new activities with their codes should be released through the website as well as other media.
Of these new activities, those, which are important at the international level, should be taken up with the organisations like World Trade Organisation (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), etc. for their proper representation in the international classification.
Periodic revision of NIC should be attempted within a reasonable time frame after revision of the classification takes place in the international scenario.
The CSO should monitor the work stated above.
Assessing the Quality of the Survey Estimates (Para 7.3.9)
A unit in the proposed National Sample Survey Office of the National Statistical Organisation should be set up to regularly undertake studies for bringing about improvement in the survey methodologies, including method of data collection, and also suggest measures for minimising non-sampling errors in the surveys. The National Sample Survey Office should publish standard errors of important estimates in the survey reports. These recommendations on the improvement of data quality and release of standard errors of estimates are relevant for surveys pertaining to numerous areas including the Services Sector.
Finding out Ways and Means to Collect Data for Emerging Areas (Para 7.4.6)
A suitable methodology should be developed to estimate the contribution of emerging areas like software exports, e-commerce, Entertainment Sector, and related fields in employment, Gross Value Added (GVA), etc.
An appropriate mechanism to compile data related to the Non-Profit Institutions Serving Households (NPISHs) including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) at the national and State level should be evolved.
An integrated system to improve the database on scientific and technical manpower (knowledge workers) should also be evolved.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoS&PI) should be entrusted with the responsibility to operationalise these recommendations.
Introducing a Survey of Non-Manufacturing Industries (Bigger Units) (Para 7.5.9)
To improve the database, it would be desirable to carry out a survey of bigger units in the sub-sectors other than manufacturing and repairing. For this, an appropriate method of data collection and other methodological aspects need to be first worked out. Also, as the subjects of trade and services are in the States’ domain, it will be necessary to decide upon an appropriately decentralised survey mechanism in collaboration with States.
Working out a Proper Time Frame for Follow-up Enterprise Surveys of Economic Census (Para 7.6.4)
A proper time schedule for covering various activity groups with specified periodicity should be framed by the MoS&PI and strictly implemented for providing benchmark estimates required for national accounting.
While finalising the said time schedule, efforts should be made to evenly group various activities among different survey years.
