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NBS minute signals reform in China's economic statistical system

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-05 20:14

He said the essence and core of statistics was to reflect facts, analyze real situations and seek truth, according to the minute.

Ma also urged NBS staff to resist all fabrications of data, secure the quality of figures and work with professionalism.

Under the current management system, local statistical departments serve two bosses, with the NBS giving them statistical assignments but local governments in charge of their personnel and finance. The NBS was only authorized to assist governors, municipal mayors and autonomous region chiefs in managing the heads of NBS branches.

Prestige-minded local officials looking for advancement have often tested the integrity of statisticians within their jurisdiction.

To remedy the situation, China's legislature revised the implementation rules of Statistics Law in 2006, which authorized NBS investigation teams to undertake independent statistical surveys and reports in all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions.

Under the Statistics Law, leading members of local authorities who alter statistical data without authorization, fabricate statistical data, compel or prompt statisticians to tamper with figures will be subject to administrative sanctions. Officials who retaliate against statisticians who refuse to fabricate data face criminal penalties.

After more than two decades of sizzling growth at the cost of depleted resources, increased energy consumption and environmental damage, the Chinese economy is undergoing a tough rebalancing that puts more emphasis on quality than quantity.

As global economic slowdown could dampen exports -- a major growth engine -- more than expected, the government has become increasingly careful with monetary tools like interest rates, deposit reserve ratios as well as industrial and fiscal policies so as not to plunge the expanding economy into recession.

Senior decision-makers have been demanding precise and more timely statistics for earlier warnings in the event of slowdown or other ailments.

Ma was appointed vice governor of Qinghai in December 2004 and used to work with the State Economic and Trade Commission and the Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.

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