Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) celebrated the 19th National Statistics Day on 29 June 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The theme for 2025: “75 Years of National Sample Survey” – highlighting the pivotal role of NSS in generating reliable statistical data for governance and planning.
Key Highlights of 2025 Event
Commemorative Releases
- Commemorative Coin and Customized My Stamp launched to mark 75 years of the National Sample Survey (NSS).
Publications Released
- Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2025
- Data Snapshot on SDGs – National Indicator Framework, Progress Report, 2025
- Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework, 2025
App Launch
- Launch of GoIStat Mobile Application developed by MoSPI for easy access to official statistics.
Awards and Recognitions
- Prof. C.R. Rao National Award in Statistics conferred during the event.
- Winners of the Data Visualization Hackathon organized by MoSPI were felicitated.
Background: National Statistics Day
- Celebrated annually on 29 June, the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis.
- First observed in 2007.
- Aims to create public awareness about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and national development.
Related Observance
- World Statistics Day is celebrated by the United Nations every 5 years on 20 October.
About Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
- Born: 29 June 1893, Calcutta (now Kolkata)
- Known as the Father of Indian Statistics
- Key Contributions:
- Founder of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) – 1931
- Established National Sample Survey (NSS) – 1950
- Creator of Mahalanobis Distance – used in multivariate statistical analysis
- Member of India’s First Planning Commission
- Played a major role in designing India’s Five-Year Plans
- Awarded Padma Vibhushan
- Strong advocate of data-driven policy and governance
National Sample Survey (NSS)
- Established in 1950 by P.C. Mahalanobis.
- A large-scale, nationwide survey mechanism providing crucial data for: Education; Employment; Social Indicators; Consumption; Health.
- Forms a core part of the National Statistical System and supports evidence-based policy formulation.
About MoSPI (Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation)
Formation: Established as an independent ministry on 15 October 1999 by merging:
- Department of Statistics
- Department of Programme Implementation
Structure:
A. Statistics Wing – Known as National Statistical Office (NSO), comprising:
- Central Statistics Office (CSO)
- National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
B. Programme Implementation Wing, comprising:
- Twenty Point Programme (TPP)
- Infrastructure and Project Monitoring (IPM)
- MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme)
C. Other Key Bodies:
- National Statistical Commission (NSC) – established by Government Resolution
- Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) – an autonomous institute declared as Institute of National Importance by an Act of Parliament