National Statistics Day(Statistics Day) is annually observed across India on 29th June to recognise the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation.29th June 2022 marks the observance of the 16th 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) 2022 is “Data for Sustainable Development”.
Background:
i.The Government of India has designated the 29th June of every year as “Statistics Day”, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Professor(late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
ii.The Statistics Day is designated in the category of Special Days to be celebrated at the National Level.
- The first ever National Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June 2007.
About Prof Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis:
i.Prof Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis was born on 29th June 1893 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
ii.He was one of the members of the first Planning Commission of India and well known for founding the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) with a Statistical Laboratory set up.
iii.He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1968 for Literature and education.
Events:
The main event of Statistics Day 2022 is organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) as a hybrid event, through physical-cum-virtual mode.
Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State(MoS) (Independent Charge), MoSPI, Ministry of Planning and Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MoCA), attended the event as the Chief Guest.
Key People:
Prof. Bimal Kumar Roy, Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC) and Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, MoSPI addressed the event.
Highlights of the event:
i.Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis National Award in Official Statistics 2022 and Prof. P.V. Sukhatme National Award for life time contribution in the field of statistics 2022 were presented to recognise the outstanding contribution through high quality research in the field of applied and theoretical statistics benefiting the official statistical system.
ii.The winners of the ‘On the Spot Essay Writing Competition, 2022’ for Post Graduate Students on the theme of Statistics Day 2022: “Data for Sustainable Development”, were also felicitated during the event.
About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI):
Minister of State (Independent Charge)– Rao Inderjit Singh (Constituency- Gurugram, Haryana)
About National Statistical Commission (NSC):
NSC was established by the Government of India through a resolution dated 1st June 2005.
Chairperson– Prof. Bimal Kumar Roy
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
