Statistics can prove anything, depending on the type of data one chooses to present. By collating different sets of data, widely differing in scope and coverage, the results derived could be confusing, adding one more dimension of controversy to the already existing estimates. The paper by Deepak Lal, Rakesh Mohan and I Natarajan (hereafter called DRN) is an example in this regard ‘Economic Reforms and Poverty Alleviation: A Tale of Two Surveys’, EPW, March 24, 2001).
