IBGE corrects PNAD data and says inequality has decreased.
The results of the 2013 National Household Sample Survey (PNAD), released by IBGE on Thursday, contain errors, said the study's coordinator, Cimar Azeredo, on Friday. He added that income concentration in the country fell last year, contrary to what had been previously reported; "There was a deconcentration, inequality reduced," he said. Yesterday, the topic was extensively covered by media outlets, such as Folha, and opposition candidates, who, à la "Pessimildo," celebrated the supposed setback in the fight against inequality. In a statement, Senator Aécio Neves asserted that IBGE has lost credibility.
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - The results of the 2013 National Household Sample Survey (PNAD), released by IBGE on Thursday, contain errors, said the study's coordinator, Cimar Azeredo, on Friday, adding that income concentration in the country fell last year, contrary to what had been previously reported.
According to Azeredo, an incorrect population projection was used in areas that contain more than one metropolitan region.
"Instead of providing the correct population projection, they provided the wrong one. We didn't notice the mistake," Azeredo said in a press conference at the agency's headquarters.
The household Gini index, which measures income concentration, fell in 2013 to 0,497 compared to 0,499 in 2012. On Thursday, IBGE had reported that the index had risen to 0,500. According to the indicator's criteria, the closer to zero, the lower the inequality in a country.
"There was a decentralization, it reduced inequality," said Cimar Azeredo.
(Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier)
In a statement, candidate Aécio Neves (PSDB/MG) asserted that IBGE has lost credibility. Read below:
Press Release
"It's astonishing the damage the federal government is causing to the country's institutions. In its eagerness to remain in power, the government doesn't even hesitate to jeopardize institutions that are guardians of Brazilian society's memory. The government's pressure on researchers and other professionals at institutes like IBGE and IPEA, and the dismantling of these institutions, end up casting doubt on all the data presented, including, and especially, the positive data. The errors are not small. It is the PT government destroying the credibility of our most serious and reputable institutions."