Data collectors get more teeth with new Act

NEW DELHI: The government on Friday notified the Collection of Statistics Act 2008 that was enacted by the Parliament on June 11, 2010. The Act will make it mandatory for all citizens of the country to cooperate with various data collection activities of the country.

The Act replaces an older version enacted in 1953 and empowers state governments and local government bodies like panchayats and municipal corporations to collect data on economic, demographic, social, scientific and environmental aspects not only for industrial or commercial concerns but also from individuals and households.

The Act provides penalties for neglect or refusal to furnish information. The penalty is up to Rs 1,000 for individuals and Rs 5,000 for companies. Under the old Act, which was passed in 1953, the penalty is only Rs 500 for the first default and Rs 200 per day thereafter.

The Act further provides for stringent penalties including imprisonment for furnishing false information.

Prosecution for offenses committed under the Act would be by way of a summary trial. The Act, long awaited is expected to improve the quality, consistency and timeliness of Indian statistics.