MoSPI Observes 19th Statistics Day in Honor of 132nd Birth Anniversary
In a significant tribute to the legacy of Professor (Late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the Government of India has officially designated June 29 as Statistics Day. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness, especially among the youth, regarding the crucial role of statistics in shaping national policies for development. The 19th Statistics Day was celebrated at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, with this year’s theme focusing on “75 Years of National Sample Survey,” underscoring the survey’s vital contributions to India’s statistical framework.
Celebrating a Legacy
The event was graced by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, he honored Professor Mahalanobis and emphasized the dual significance of the day: the celebration of Statistics Day and the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS). Singh highlighted the transformative impact of technology on the statistical system, advocating for methodological reforms that include updated sampling techniques and integrated survey frameworks. He expressed the ministry’s commitment to fostering inclusive engagement through consultations with state governments and capacity-building initiatives. The minister praised the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) for its transparent approach and called upon the statistical community to support the vision of a continually improving National Statistical Office.
Reflections on the National Sample Survey
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, delivered the welcome address, reflecting on the NSS’s evolution into one of the world’s most reliable statistical systems since its inception in 1950. He discussed various reforms that have expedited the publication of survey results and improved data accessibility. Notable advancements include the digital transformation of data collection methods and the launch of the eSankhyiki portal, which hosts over 135 million records. Dr. Garg emphasized that MoSPI’s focus on technology-driven data dissemination has revolutionized data-driven policymaking, aligning with the vision of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
Dr. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission (NSC), also spoke at the event, acknowledging the historical contributions of Professor Mahalanobis to the Indian statistical system. He commended MoSPI for modernizing the statistical framework, which supports evidence-based policymaking. Karandikar suggested that statistical agencies could play a crucial role in enhancing governance by establishing uniform methodologies for various applications, such as online competitive exams and voting validation, thereby fostering public trust.
Innovations in Data Accessibility
To further enhance accessibility to official statistical data, the Government of India launched the GoIStat mobile application. This app aims to create an inclusive data ecosystem, allowing stakeholders to access official statistics conveniently. The introduction of this mobile application completes the trinity of data dissemination services, which includes the website and portal. The app is available for download on the Google Play Store, making it easier for users to engage with official data on the go.
During the event, the Prof. C.R. Rao National Award for 2025 in Statistics was awarded to Dr. Prajamitra Bhuyan, an Assistant Professor at IIM Calcutta, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field. Additionally, winners of the Data Visualization Hackathon were honored, showcasing the innovative spirit within the statistical community.
Engaging Discussions and Future Directions
The event featured a technical session that included a documentary highlighting the NSS’s journey. Dr. Bhuyan, the award recipient, addressed the audience, advocating for the integration of modern data science tools into the official statistical system to meet stakeholder needs. The session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. The panel included experts who discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by frontier technologies in official statistics.
Approximately 700 participants attended the event, including senior officials from central ministries, state governments, and representatives from international organizations. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the statistical community but also reinforced the commitment to using statistical data as a foundation for evidence-based policymaking, ensuring progress and prosperity for all.
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