- The Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 was enacted by the Parliament to facilitate the collection of statistics on economics, social, demographic, scientific and environmental aspects etc.
- The Act extends to the whole of India, except J&K.
- The J&K state legislature also had enacted the Jammu & Kashmir Collection of Statistics Act, 2010, which is replica of the central legislation extending to whole state.
- However, both central and state legislations are not applicable to statistical subjects falling in the Union List, as applicable to the J&K under the Constitution (Application to Jammu & Kashmir) Order 1954
- This has created a legislative vacuum. Besides, concurrent jurisdiction to be exercised by Centre in J&K also has not been provided in the Central legislation.
- To address this vacuum, government has approved amendment to the act to extend its jurisdiction to J&K
- Why Amendment?
- It will strengthen data collection mechanism in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.
- It will extend the jurisdiction of the parent Act to J&K in respect of matters not reserved for the State as per the 1954 Order.