Help data collectors else pay fine

NEW DELHI: The government notified the Collection of Statistics Act 2008 on Friday, making providing timely and accurate data mandatory for all citizens of India. Greater legal powers to data collectors will help improve the quality of data collection. The relevant bill was passed by 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 government is looking for tighter data collection mechanisms to ensure better inputs for policy making. This act could likely lead to more accurate data being recorded,” said Indranil Pan, chief economist, Kotak group.

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 up to six months for furnishing false information. The information collected under the act cannot be used as evidence for prosecution under any other law.