National Statistical Management System: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Steps

Authors

  • Manish Thapa School of Education, Kathmandu University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/nppr.v1i1.43437

Keywords:

Government, Legal Instruments, Service Delivery, Integrated Statistical Management, Policy

Abstract

Globally, countries adopt either centralized or decentralized statistical management system. With over 60 years of history, Nepal has been practicing decentralized statistical management system where various government agencies alongside non-government and private agencies manage statistics based on their needs and requirements. Statistics Act 1958 set the foundation for statistical management system, that is in operational stage as of 2021. This paper sets an objective of reviewing the legal instruments associated with statistical management system and explores the opportunities and challenges of integrated statistical management system. Paper adopts systematic literature review method to search, sort and filter the relevant literature associated with opportunities and challenges of statistical management systems and/or practices. The adoption of statistical management system among countries were found to be varied (centralized/decentralized) based on the countries’ needs, interests, capacity to set-up infrastructures. Hence the paper recommends updating the statistics related legal instruments and emphasizes the establishment of single institution. Based on which, country can adopt the principle and modality of either centralized or integrated statistical management system based on its needs and interests. After identifying the complexity, privacy, confidentiality, safety and security associated with integrated statistical management system, the paper suggests laying out a foundational framework for a strong and effective system. Afterwards possible concerns could be addressed through updated statistical acts and rules.

Author Biography

Manish Thapa, School of Education, Kathmandu University

Manish Thapa is the M. Phil Scholar on Development Studies at School of Education, Kathmandu University. He has over eight years of professional experience working in the development and humanitarian sector in a diverse portfolio focusing on research, advocacy, monitoring, evaluation and learning. He possesses an interest in researching and writing in the areas of development focused plans and policies. He was rewarded with an Excellence Award by UNEP Eco-Peace Leadership Center for leading research-based project focusing on environmental health and chemical safety in 2012/013.

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Additional Files

Published

2021-09-18

How to Cite

Thapa, M. (2021). National Statistical Management System: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Steps. Nepal Public Policy Review, 1, 87–108. https://doi.org/10.3126/nppr.v1i1.43437

Issue

Section

Regular Articles