Celebrating Statistics Day: Honoring Prof. Mahalanobis and 75 Years of NSS
The Statistics Day celebrated annually on June 29, honors Prof. Mahalanobis' contributions and the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey. This year, the theme focused on technological advancements and reforms in statistics for national development. 700 participants, including state officials and UN representatives, attended the event in New Delhi.

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- India
The government commemorated the contributions of Professor (Late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis by designating June 29 as Statistics Day. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness about statistics' role in shaping national policy, particularly among younger generations, according to a Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation release from Sunday.
This year's event, marking the 19th Statistics Day, took place at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi under the theme '75 Years of National Sample Survey'. It emphasized the enduring impact of the National Sample Survey in bolstering the nation's statistical framework.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh, the event's Chief Guest, paid tribute to Prof. Mahalanobis and underscored the occasion's significance. Singh highlighted the transformation of the statistical system through real-time data monitoring and advocated for methodological updates, including new sampling techniques and alignment with international standards.
Minister Singh also reiterated the ministry's commitment to inclusive engagement through consultations with state governments and capacity-building initiatives. He praised MoSPI's transparent, inclusive approach and urged the statistical community to support national transparency and development goals. Saurabh Garg, MoSPI Secretary, reflected on the NSS's evolution into a world-class statistical system since 1950.
Garg described key reforms like quicker survey result publication, access to granular data, and digital advancements in data collection and dissemination. He noted MoSPI's role in revolutionizing data-driven policy-making toward Viksit Bharat and welcomed Dr. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar's insights on India's statistical history and the significance of technological advancements for effective governance. An estimated 700 participants, including senior officials from various governments and international bodies, attended the event, which also featured a brief documentary on the ministry's work.
(With inputs from agencies.)