Owaisi seeks info on challenges in data collection from high-income gated societies

Asaduddin Owaisi questions government during Lok Sabha session, on challenges of collecting data from high-income urban gated societies

Hyderabad parliamentarian Asaduddin Owaisi sought to know the challenges government officials face in collecting data from higher-income groups, particularly those residing in urban gated societies.

In an unstarred question asked in the ongoing Lok Sabha session, Mr. Owaisi requested clarity on aspects connected to difficulty in data-collection from high-income societies such as gated societies in urban areas, and the impact of this on the accuracy of datasets. He also asked the government to provide information as to how these challenges were overcome.

In the reply, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Rao Inderjit Singh, acknowledged that gated societies present certain challenges in terms of not being responsive. “Non-response among high-income groups and gated societies presents particular challenges, as these respondents have unique motivations and barriers to participation. Addressing the non-response is crucial for obtaining representative data that accurately reflects societal trends and needs,” he stated, even as he pointed out that respondents do not provide information or there is a submission of unusable data. This, he stated, contributes “to non-sampling errors”

In cases in which there is limited or no cooperation, officials employ strategies such engaging with with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), embarking on awareness campaigns, and liaising with local authorities, such as with the local police station, to build trust and encourage participation.

He also pointed out that the Ministry, in September 2024, brainstormed with policymakers, economists, and global organisations like the World Bank and International Labour Organisation (ILO) and RWAs. This session explored innovative approaches to address non-response and ensure inclusivity while reinforcing the confidentiality of data collected. However, the Ministry remains committed to enhancing data collection processes through public engagement and regional cooperation.