National Statistics Day (Statistics Day) is annually observed across India on 29th June to raise public awareness about the role and importance of statistics in Socio-economic planning, policy formulation and development processes in everyday life.
- 29th June 2023 marks the observance of the 17th Statistics Day.
- The day marks the celebration of the birth anniversary of Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis (PC Mahalanobis), known as the “Father of Indian Statistics” and recognises his notable contributions in the fields of statistics and economic planning.
The theme of National Statistics Day (Statistics Day) 2023 is “Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework for Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.
Background:
i. In 2006, the Government of India (GoI) designated the 29th June of every year, the birth anniversary of Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, as “Statistics Day”, in the category of Special Days to be celebrated at the national level.
ii. Notification to this effect was published in the Gazette of India on June 05, 2007.
iii. The first-ever National Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June 2007.
About Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis:
i. Prof Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was born on 29 June 1893 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
ii. He was part of the first planning commission of India and was well known in establishing the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) with a Statistical Laboratory set up in 1931.
iii. In 1968, he was honoured with the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ for his contributions to Literature, science and education services to India.
Events of 2023:
i. The Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) organised a main event of Statistics Day 2023 at Scope Convention Centre, Scope Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, Delhi.
ii. Presentations on the theme of Statistics Day 2023 were made by the officers of MoSPI during the technical session of the event.
Key People:
Rao Inderjit Singh (Chief Guest), Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge), MoSPI; Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC); Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, MoSPI.
About National Statistical Commission (NSC):
The Government of India through a resolution dated 1st June, 2005 established the National Statistical Commission (NSC).
Mandate: To evolve policies, priorities and standards in statistical matters.
Chairman- Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
