New Batch of ISS Officers Engages in Transformational Training Review
The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) recently held a review meeting for new officers of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS). This meeting welcomed the 2024 batch, who have just completed their probationary training, which included six months of fieldwork at Sub-Regional Offices (SROs) under the Field Operations Division (FOD) of the National Statistics Office (NSO), part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Officers from the 2025 batch, having finished one year of institutional training and preparing for their upcoming SRO postings, also participated, alongside the newly inducted 2026 batch. The event marked a significant moment for the latter as it allowed them to engage with senior officials ahead of their training journey.
Shri R. Rajesh, Additional Director General of the Capacity Development Division at MoSPI, extended a warm welcome to Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, and Ms. Puja Singh Mondal, Additional Secretary, acknowledging their support for the probationers. In his address, Rajesh emphasized key aspects of the vital reforms happening within India’s statistical framework, focusing on capacity building, organizational transformation, and stakeholder outreach.
Emphasizing Practical Training
The meeting included insightful feedback sessions from the 2025 batch. Notably, Mr. Mridul Maheshwari and Ms. Tulika Garg provided a comprehensive overview of their training experiences, underscoring how their preparations were geared towards enhancing the Indian Statistical System at the grassroots level.
Representatives from the 2024 batch, Ms. Saumya Mishra and Ms. Agrima Rastogi, articulated the essential role of the Field Operations Division in bolstering India’s primary data collection framework. Their presentations highlighted the vital learnings gained through field visits and administrative tasks, reflecting the synergy between theoretical knowledge and practical application. They showcased efforts to improve collaboration with local administrations, optimize record management, and boost field operational efficiency.
Encouraging Future Leaders
Ms. Puja Singh Mondal used this platform to motivate the 2024 and 2025 officers, encouraging their active participation in empowering the Indian Statistical System. She commended NSSTA for its initiatives aimed at reinforcing capacity building.
The Secretary, Dr. Saurabh Garg, reiterated the commitment to placing ISS officers in field roles early in their careers, a policy introduced with the 2023 batch. With the integration of the 2025 batch, he noted that a significant portion of SROs, approximately 90 out of 120 nationwide, would now be led by dynamic young professionals. This shift is intended to enhance leadership dynamics while improving the quality of data and the institutional framework.
Fostering Ethical Leadership
In the afternoon session, Dr. R. Balasubramaniam addressed the officer trainees on the importance of ethical leadership and values in public service. He underscored the necessity of integrity, accountability, and a focus on citizen-centric governance, drawing on principles from Indic philosophy.
The NSSTA event successfully created a collaborative environment for all involved batches to interact with senior officials and engage in meaningful discussions, fostering a rich spirit of learning and mentorship.
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