Govt to hold 2-day workshop on statistics scheme for states

The Statistics Ministry will organise a two-day national workshop on Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) scheme here next week.

The workshop will be inaugurated on Monday by TCA Anant, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, an official statement said.

The SSS programme, to improve the quality of data, is being implemented in 16 states with an allocation of Rs 650.43 crore.

In 2014-15, the scheme was revamped and funds for the implementing states were rationalised while allocations were made to the remaining 19 states/UTs.

The meeting will review the completion of activities by the 16 states.

They are required to complete all their activities under the scheme by March 2017. The states include Gujarat, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Sikkim, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Jharkhand and Kerala.

Out of the new batch of 19 states/UTs, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand had signed their MoUs and subsequently funds were transferred to them.

However, for the remaining 17, finalisation of programme and release of funds are still to be completed.

All fresh funds are released to states through the Public Finance Management System (PFMS), the statement said.