On August 20, 2021, at the Agency of Information and Mass Communications under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the State Committee on Statistics held a press conference on the topic: "The content and meaning of the new Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan" On Official Statistics ", changes introduced by the law into practice."
The event was attended by the leadership of the State Statistics Committee, heads of departments of the central office, representatives of the Institute for Advanced Training and Statistical Research, media workers, journalists and bloggers.
As noted at the press conference, 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 reform.
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 challenges of today.
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 priority important 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. PP-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.
Officials of the government, ministries and departments, 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, the head of our state developed and signed a new Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On official statistics", which fully complies with international standards and the requirements of today.
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 concept 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.
Secondly, a national statistical system is being created, which includes, in addition to statistical bodies, 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 subjects of the 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 powers 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 powers, duties and responsibilities of respondents, providers of administrative data and users of statistical data are defined.
Third, 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.
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 evaluating statistics.
Below, you can watch more about this press conference.
Press service