The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Act details
| Short title | The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to facilitate the collection of statistics on economic, demographic, social, scientific and environmental aspects, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. |
| Act number | 7 of 2009 |
| Act year | 2009 |
| Enactment date | 7 Jan 2009 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 27 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 29 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008
Short Title The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008
Act Number / Year Act No. 7 of 2009
Act ID (India Code) 200907
Presidential Assent Date January 7, 2009
Enforcement Date June 11, 2010
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Precedent & Statutory Rationale
1. Limitations of the Legacy 1953 Act:
o The colonial-era predecessor (Collection of Statistics Act, 1953) was restricted primarily to gathering data on a narrow segment of industries, trade, and commerce (frequently used for the Annual Survey of Industries). It lacked the breadth required for a modern, liberalized economy.
2. Recommendations of the National Statistical Commission:
o Following economic liberalization and globalization, the National Statistical Commission pointed out severe gaps in national data collection, noting that many vital social, demographic, environmental, and unorganized sector surveys relied on voluntary participation without statutory backing.
3. Comprehensive Data Framework for Policy Formulation:
o The 2008 Act was enacted to create a robust, overarching legal mechanism empowering Central, State, and local governments to collect dependable statistical data across a wider spectrum of national life to support evidence-based public policy, planning, and scientific development.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
• Formulation: Piloted and structured by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) following expert statistical recommendations.
• Parliamentary Passage: Tabled, debated, and passed by both Houses of Parliament during the winter session of 2008.
• Presidential Assent: Received formal Presidential Assent on January 7, 2009, entering the statute book as Act No. 7 of 2009.
• Enforcement: Enforced on June 11, 2010.
• Source: India Code and Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Official Records