Within the framework of a new stage of large-scale reforms carried out in our country, systematic work has been carried out in recent years to develop the national statistical sphere. In particular, special attention is paid to improving the legal framework in the field of statistics as an important area of reforms.
In turn, the analysis showed that the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On State Statistics" adopted in 2002 does not fully comply with international standards, requirements and today’s challenges.
Therefore, based on the best international practice, it was decided to improve the existing legal and regulatory framework in the field of statistics. This issue is designated as a top priority task in the "National Strategy for the Development of Statistics for 2020-2025", approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated August 3, 2020 No. PD-4796.
When drafting the new law, special emphasis was placed on the Model Law on Official Statistics, developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe specifically for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
At the developing process of the new law, special attention was paid to the Generic Law on Official Statistics, developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe specifically for Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Officials of the government and relevant ministries, as well as foreign experts from the World Bank were involved in the process. The legislation of the CIS countries, Asia and Europe, as well as the law enforcement practice of the Russian Federation, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other countries in the field of official statistics has been studied.
As a result, developed and signed by the President a new Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On official statistics", which fully complies with international standards and today’s requirements.
The new law consists of 7 chapters and 44 articles, which is radically different from our previous law, and we can see the main aspects and innovations in the following:
First, a new concept is being implemented - the terminology of official statistics. The Law clearly defines official statistics as statistical data describing economic, demographic, social, financial, environmental events and processes in the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as other events and processes prepared and disseminated in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
From now on, any statistical data prepared not in accordance with the provisions of this Law will not be recognized as official, and with the help of this concept it will be possible to clearly distinguish between official and unofficial statistics in the national information space.
The new law also clarifies other key concepts used in the field of statistics.
Secondly, a national statistical system is being created, which includes, in addition to statistical agencies, other government bodies that produce and disseminate official statistics.
In particular, the new law clearly defines the rights, duties and responsibilities of more than 30 government bodies directly involved in the production of official statistics as a party of a national statistical system.
In order to effectively coordinate the activities of the national statistical system, the State Statistics Committee was determined as an authorized state body.
Also, the law strengthens the authority of the State Statistics Committee to audit the statistical methodologies of other producers of official statistics for compliance with international recommendations.
The legal status of the Statistical Council under the State Statistics Committee as a collegial advisory body on the development, functioning and coordination of official statistics is being determined.
In addition, the authority, duties and responsibilities of respondents, providers of administrative data and users of statistical data are clearly defined.
Thirdly, the previous law did not specify the description of the statistical work program, the procedure for its development and approval, the procedure for the development, coordination, approval and financing of long-term and annual statistical programs, types of statistical observations and censuses, and the rules for their implementation.
The new law fills these gaps and defines the appropriate rules.
In addition, the new law sets requirements for the quality of official statistical information and its assessment.
That is, mechanisms have been identified to ensure the quality of statistics by producers of official statistics through the use of statistical methods for evaluating data, documenting the sources and methods used, as well as studying the opinions of respondents, cooperation with scientific organizations and the community in assessing statistical methodology.
Also, the procedure for using and working with statistical information is clarified and established.
In particular, until today there were no requirements for the preparation, use, publication and dissemination of statistical data, as well as information security during their processing and storage, and the new law eliminates these gaps and establishes the rules, procedure and purposes for the use of administrative, individual and confidential information.
In addition, rules are established to ensure that statistics are publicly available on an equal basis, that they are published on official websites and in the media in a timely manner with the necessary comments and explanations.
The new law provides the necessary, reliable legal basis for full compliance with the fundamental principles of official statistics in the country, recommended by the international statistical community.
In short, we can say that the new Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Official Statistics" not only regulates the functioning of the national statistical system, but also ensures the effectiveness of reforms to ensure openness and transparency of official statistics, to meet the needs of users in reliable, high-quality and relevant official statistics, and will also
undoubtedly serve to further enhance the country's prestige at the international level.