Introduction:
The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) is the organisation that carries out surveys for determining the poverty line in India. The NSSO is a part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. It conducts large-scale sample surveys for collecting data on various socio-economic aspects of the country.

Explanation:
The poverty line is the minimum level of income or consumption required to meet the basic needs of an individual or a household. It is an important parameter for measuring the extent of poverty in a country. The NSSO conducts surveys to determine the poverty line based on various criteria such as income, consumption patterns, and basic needs.

Role of NSSO:
The NSSO plays a crucial role in determining the poverty line through its surveys. Here's how it carries out this task:

1. Sample Surveys: The NSSO conducts large-scale sample surveys to collect data on various aspects of the economy, including income, consumption, and expenditure patterns. These surveys cover both rural and urban areas and provide a representative sample of the population.

2. Collection of Data: The NSSO collects data on income and consumption patterns of households through detailed questionnaires. This data is collected from a sample of households across the country, and the responses are carefully recorded and analyzed.

3. Poverty Line Calculation: Once the data is collected, the NSSO uses statistical techniques to determine the poverty line. It takes into account factors such as the cost of basic needs, food consumption patterns, and other socio-economic indicators.

4. Poverty Estimates: Based on the poverty line calculation, the NSSO provides estimates of the number of people living below the poverty line in India. These estimates are crucial for policy-making and planning interventions to alleviate poverty.

Conclusion:
The NSSO plays a vital role in determining the poverty line in India. Through its surveys and data collection efforts, it provides valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of the country. The poverty line estimates generated by the NSSO serve as a benchmark for measuring the poverty levels and assessing the effectiveness of poverty alleviation programs.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
In 2019 the government announced that the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) will be merged with the Central Statistics Office to form the National Statistical Office (NSO). ... The NSO will be headed by the secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).