Experts warn about risks in measuring poverty and the autonomy of INEI.

The quality of statistical estimates is a complex and delicate issue, which becomes especially critical when it comes to measuring social and economic phenomena in a country where realities are changing and often imprecise. Recently, experts Javier Escobal and Javier Herrera, members of the Advisory Commission on Poverty Measurement, have expressed their concern about a proposal from the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion that seeks to take on the statistical monitoring of poverty. This change, they argue, could compromise the technical autonomy of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), which could have negative repercussions on the quality of the statistics that the country needs for the formulation of effective policies. The metaphor of the "pantry cat," used by Escobal and Herrera, illustrates the paradox that institutions face when they are responsible for achieving social objectives while also measuring their own performance. This ethical dilemma highlights the importance of having independent institutions that can carry out objective and accurate evaluations, away from political influences that could skew the results. It is crucial to remember that the production of statistics is not only a technical matter but also a matter of public trust and validity in decision-making. Taking advantage of the current debate about the role of INEI is an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of statistical measurements in Peru. Observing how the world has changed over the last six decades, it becomes evident that the challenges in data collection have multiplied and diversified. Statistics that were once simpler to obtain must now deal with the complexity of a constantly transforming society, where social and economic dynamics present new obstacles. Recalling a personal experience from over 60 years ago, the author of this analysis recounts how, during his career, he was tasked with calculating and announcing economic results in a context of scarce information. In those times, the intervention of international experts, such as Charles Schwartz from the International Monetary Fund, was essential to improve the quality of statistics in Peru. Schwartz, a reference in the creation of statistical methodologies, provided valuable insight on how to address the lack of reliable information in a country facing severe economic challenges. The contrast between the methodologies of other countries also highlights the ingenuity and adaptability of statistical institutions. The author remembers his visit to Uruguay, where data collection was carried out in an unconventional manner, physically observing the growth of infrastructure from an office. This served as a reminder that many statistics are generated based on assumptions and estimates, suggesting that all countries face the dilemma of inaccuracy in their measurements. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that the quality of statistical estimates in critical areas such as health and the well-being of the most vulnerable populations will always be subject to significant margins of error. This is particularly true for isolated and impoverished communities, which are often the hardest to measure and assess. Therefore, independence in evaluating public and private efforts to mitigate poverty must be a priority on the national agenda. Statistical data are fundamental tools for public policy, but their value is compromised if they are not generated rigorously and objectively. In this sense, the possibility that an institution with a vested interest in the results is also responsible for their measurement raises serious doubts about the credibility of the obtained data. This is a trap in which not only statistics would fall, but also the policies based on them would be compromised. This is why the academic community, policymakers, and civil society must unite in defense of INEI's independence and the quality of statistics in Peru. Maintaining high standards and transparent processes in the collection and analysis of data is not merely a technical issue, but a moral imperative that must guide public action. Undoubtedly, statistics are a reflection of a country's social and economic reality; therefore, they must be managed with the seriousness and responsibility they deserve. As Peru moves toward the future, it will be essential to ensure that statistics not only reflect an accurate picture of the current situation but also serve as a solid foundation for decision-making that promotes development and social inclusion. In this journey, the role of INEI must be preserved and strengthened, ensuring that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their realities measured with the precision they require.