75 Years of the Indian National Sample Survey Evolution of Sample Design, Key Challenges and Way Forward

This book gives an overview of the Indian National Sample Survey (NSS) with a summarization of the salient features of the survey methodology adopted in the surveys, experiences gathered on the strengths and limitations of the data collected through the NSS and way forward to address some critical data gaps for further strengthening the NSS database. To fulfil the requirements of a diverse set of readers, the book also highlights the lessons gathered through some important pilot surveys that the NSS had conducted apart from containing a chapter on some global / best survey practices so that the book can truly be used as a reference material by the survey practitioners across the globe.  It will also be of interest to a variety of other readers including the students, researchers, planners, and policymakers in addition to the survey organizations across the globe. 

Chapter 1. Introduction and history of formation of the NSS.- Chapter 2. Salient features of the NSS.- Chapter 3. Sample designs adopted in the NSS over its 75 years of operation.- Chapter 4. Major changes in sample design over the 75 years of functioning of the NSS.- Chapter 5. Three pilot surveys conducted by NSS.- Chapter 6. Discussion on global survey practices. Chapter 7. Derivation of NSS design-based estimates of aggregates and ratios.- Chapter 8. Level of precision of key estimates as per the NSS.- Chapter 9. Strengthening the NSS database.

G C Manna is Professor at the Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi, India; and is also Senior Adviser at the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), New Delhi, India. He is currently Chairman of the Editorial Advisory Board of Sarvekshana—the journal of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), published by the Government of India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Formerly, he was Director General of Central Statistics Office, Government of India, and was a Member of the National Statistical Commission. He also chaired International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Labour Statistics prior to the 19th International Conference of Labour Statisticians organized by the ILO.