What is the Significance of CoCSSO?

— by vishal Sambyal

The Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) plays a vital role in strengthening India’s statistical system for evidence-based governance.

Introduction: Why Statistics Matter More Than Ever

In today’s fast-changing world, reliable data is no longer just a technical requirement—it is the backbone of effective governance, policymaking, and development. Without accurate statistics, governments cannot plan, businesses cannot innovate, and citizens cannot hold institutions accountable. Recognizing this, India has created a powerful mechanism for coordination and dialogue in its statistical ecosystem: the Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO).

Context & Background: Building a Coordinated Statistical Framework

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) first organized CoCSSO in 1971 as a collaborative platform to bridge gaps between central and state statistical bodies. Initially held once every two years, its importance grew so rapidly that it is now conducted annually.

The forum has evolved into an institutional mechanism that ensures uniformity, quality, and timeliness in statistical practices across the nation. Each conference reviews past progress, sets guidelines for new methodologies, and helps align India’s statistical systems with global best practices.

Over the decades, CoCSSO has become a space where government officials, technical experts, and policymakers converge to resolve pressing statistical challenges and pave the way for evidence-based governance.

Main Developments: The 29th CoCSSO in Chandigarh

The 29th edition of CoCSSO was held on September 25–26, 2025, in Chandigarh, bringing together nearly 350 participants from central ministries, state departments, international organizations, and UN agencies.

The theme, “Strengthening Local Level Governance,” highlighted the urgent need to improve the quality and availability of local-level data. In an era where decentralization is key to effective governance, accurate village, district, and city-level statistics are essential for targeting policies and tracking development outcomes.

A major highlight of this year’s conference was the launch of the PAIMANA portal (Project Assessment Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation Building)—a digital tool to track and analyze central sector infrastructure projects. This reflects MoSPI’s push toward digital innovation, enabling faster and more transparent monitoring.

Expert Insight: Why CoCSSO Matters for India’s Growth

Experts stress that data gaps remain one of the biggest challenges in India’s governance framework. Dr. Ananya Mehta, a policy analyst, explains:

“India has made enormous progress in data collection, but local-level statistics remain fragmented and inconsistent. CoCSSO provides the forum where state and central agencies can align efforts, ensuring policymakers have the right information at the right time.”

International agencies also see CoCSSO as a step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since many SDGs require granular, localized data, improved coordination between states and the center is critical for tracking India’s progress.

Impact & Implications: From Numbers to Nation-Building

The outcomes of CoCSSO go beyond technical discussions. The conference directly impacts:

  • Policy Design: Better statistics enable governments to craft targeted welfare schemes, monitor outcomes, and adjust strategies.
  • Economic Planning: Reliable data supports investment decisions, infrastructure development, and resource allocation.
  • Citizen Trust: Transparent and credible statistics empower the public to hold institutions accountable.
  • Vision of Viksit Bharat: With India’s ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047, evidence-based governance powered by accurate statistics will be indispensable.

The introduction of digital platforms like PAIMANA signals a future where technology and data will merge to create real-time dashboards for governance—minimizing delays and boosting transparency.

Conclusion: A Silent Backbone of Governance

While CoCSSO may not make daily headlines, its significance cannot be overstated. Behind every major policy—from rural employment schemes to infrastructure projects—lies a network of statisticians, analysts, and policymakers ensuring decisions are rooted in evidence.

As India moves closer to its vision of “Viksit Bharat”, the role of CoCSSO will only grow more crucial. By strengthening collaboration between central and state statistical systems, India is not just collecting numbers—it is building the foundation for a more accountable, inclusive, and data-driven democracy.

Disclaimer :This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not represent the official views of MoSPI or any government body.