In recognition of the notable contributions made by Late Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of economic planning and statistical development, the Government of India has designated 29th June every year, coinciding with his birth anniversary, as the “Statistics Day” in the category of Special Day to be celebrated at the national level. The theme for this year’s Statistics Day is “Labour and Employment Statistics”. The objective of the Day is to create public awareness, specially the younger generation for drawing inspirations from Late Prof. Mahalanobis about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation.
The Statistics Day was celebrated all over India by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, State Governments, Offices of National Sample Survey Offices spread throughout the country, Indian Statistical Institute, Universities/Departments, etc. by organizing Seminars, Conferences, Debates, Quiz Programmes, Lecture Series, Essay Competitions, etc. At national level, main function was held at Vigyan Bhawan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Statistics & Programme Implementation and Chemicals & Fertilizers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena has said that Statistics Day provides a great opportunity to the statisticians , experts, policy makers, academicians and students from different places to interact with each other to devise appropriate measures and meet the emerging data requirement. He said there is a need to further strengthen the role of Statisticians in the administration of the country.
Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister Dr C Rangarajan in his speech said there is a need to strengthen the Indian statistical system in general and more particularly with respect to labour and employment statistics. He said sample surveys give us only broad indications and there is a need to go beyond sample surveys .
National Award in Statistics, constituted in the Honour of Prof. C.R. Rao was also conferred on Dr. Abhiman Das, Eminent Statistician from Reserve Bank of India. A shawl, Citation and a cash award of Rs. two lakh was presented to him by the Minister of SPI Shri Shrikant Kumar Jena.
Besides, launching of the India Statistics Community in the Data Portal India, some important Statistical Publications viz. “Children in India 2012- A statistical appraisal”, “Women and Men in India 2012”, “SAARC Social Charter India Country Report 2012” & “India in Figures- 2013” were also released on the occasion.
Secretary ,MOSPI Prof TCA Ananat and Dr. Pronab Sen, Chairman, National Statistical Commission also spoke on the occasion.
To undertake the follow-up activities through-out the year on the theme of Statistics Day 2013, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in close association with Ministry of Labour and Employment has also constituted a Working Group under the Chairmanship of Director General and Chief Executive Officer, National Sample Survey Office.