The 18th Statistics Day is being celebrated today. Since 2007, June 29 is celebrated as the National Statistics Day to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional contributions made by statisticians in India, particularly honouring the birth anniversary of an eminent statistician (Late) Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. The theme for this year is Use of Data for Decision Making.
A programme to mark the day was celebrated in Delhi which was attended by Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Dr. Arvind Panagariya. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Panagariya said that the challenge of the current times is to produce authentic, robust and accurate statistics to cope with the huge demand for the information universally which is accessible through digital and other channels. He advocated that all young statisticians must be encouraged to lead the nation and the world with their contribution to theoretical and applied statisticals methods which will be a befitting tribute to the memory of P.C. Mahalanobis. Mr. Panagariya expressed confidence that India will contribute with its commendable work in data driven statistical research and development activities for innovation in medicine, academics, business, information technology and economics. He said the need of the hour is to ensure the availability of accurate data.
Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Saurabh Garg said that on regular basis the ministry is looking at what kind of systemic improvements can be made, adding that whether it should be timely publication of data, employing IT tools and whether to switch over to computer assisted interview system by moving away from conventional pen and paper survey.
