Statistical Business Register in Works to keep Track of AII Cos
Extract
from the article:
The government of India is taking a significant step towards creating a
comprehensive and dynamic repository of business data by developing a National
Statistical Business Register (NSBR). This register aims to systematically
catalogue every business enterprise in the country, from microenterprises to
large corporations, across all districts. The intention is to digitize and
continuously update this data, leveraging multiple data sources such as the
Goods and Services Tax Network, Employees State Insurance Corporation,
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, and records maintained by the Ministry
of Corporate Affairs. By doing so, economic activity can be better monitored,
and policy formulation can be informed with granular and real-time data.
This ambitious initiative is not only about creating a
static database but about building an ecosystem that fosters transparency and
ease of doing business. The data captured in the NSBR will include crucial
business parameters such as enterprise name, location, activities, ownership
structure, workforce size, and tax identification numbers like PAN and TAN.
Over time, this register is expected to become a backbone for statistical
assessments, promoting efficiency in governance, compliance monitoring, and aiding
in targeted economic interventions. The envisioned dynamic updating mechanism
ensures that the register remains current, reflecting the true pulse of the
Indian business landscape.
My
Take:
A. A
Reform by Re-naming
"Governments often conceive statistical bodies as passive recipients of
data rather than proactive entities that should operate with financial autonomy
and entrepreneurial spirit. I had previously argued that the National
Statistical Commission (NSC) should be treated akin to a corporation infused
with equity to generate its own revenue streams. This financial
self-sustainability would make the statistical system more resilient and
independent. For instance, selling aggregated and anonymized data products as
per government policy could be a viable source of income. Such a model ensures
the statistical agency is not entirely dependent on government grants or
political whims, enhancing credibility and efficiency."
Looking at the current developments around the National
Statistical Business Register, I see a clear alignment with this philosophy.
The creation of a comprehensive register itself can evolve into an operational
unit that collects, processes, and monetizes data responsibly. My earlier
advocacy for treating the NSC not like a traditional public sector undertaking
but as a semi-autonomous corporation resonates strongly here. This approach
adds an entrepreneurial dimension to statistical governance, which can improve
service delivery and data quality.
B. One Stop
Shops
"When I discussed the emergence of a National Statistical Business
Register as a pivotal initiative, I underscored the importance of multi-source
data integration. A business register isn’t just a static list; it should be a
living system, continuously enriched with inputs from GST returns, ESI and EPFO
databases, and corporate affairs records. This integration facilitates a
holistic view of economic entities that is vital to policymaking, compliance
verification, and research."
Reflecting on the current announcement, it is evident that
the government is moving in precisely this direction. The NSBR’s real potential
lies in its regular updates from disparate databases, enabling a live pulse
rather than a relic of periodic censuses. Digitization at this scale and detail
will elevate India’s statistical capacity, transforming macroeconomic
policymaking and enabling micro-level insights. The foresight shared in my
earlier blog presages this evolution, emphasizing data interoperability and
coherence across government platforms.
Call to
Action:
To the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and allied agencies,
I urge a relentless focus on transparency, data governance, and stakeholder
collaboration as the NSBR takes shape. Consider establishing independent
oversight and clear protocols for data privacy and security to build trust
among enterprises. Additionally, embed mechanisms for feedback and periodic
audit of data accuracy from business entities themselves. This will ensure that
the register remains both authoritative and dynamic, driving India’s economic
development with empirical rigor.
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
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