Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
18th National Statistics Day Theme 2024: Use of Data for decision making
Posted On: 27 JUN 2024 5:55PM
Introduction
National Statistics Day is celebrated on June 29 every year to acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional contributions made by statisticians in India, particularly honoring the birth anniversary of eminent statistician (Late) Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. The celebration aims to popularize statistics as a field of study and highlight its importance in policy-making and everyday life. To achieve this, various seminars, campaigns, and programs are conducted across the country to mark the day.
Statisticians are crucial to the development of robust and data-driven policies, ensuring that decisions are informed by accurate and relevant data. National Statistics Day serves as an opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to the unique contributions of statisticians to the nation's progress. For 2024, the theme is "Use of Data for Decision Making," focusing on the impact of statistics in driving sustainable development and innovation across various sectors.
Tracing the Genesis
National Statistics Day was first celebrated in 2007 to recognize the invaluable contributions of Professor P.C. Mahalanobis to the field of statistics and economic planning. Known as the 'Father of Modern Statistics in India,' Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) and developed the Mahalanobis Distance, a widely used statistical measure. His work laid the foundation for India's national statistical system, significantly impacting economic planning and policy formulation.
The first National Statistics Day was commemorated in 2007. Following that event, a proclamation was released in the Indian Gazette on June 5, 2007. Since then, seminars, conferences, discussions, and contests have been conducted on this day to raise awareness of the role of official statistics in nationwide progress.
Statistics Day 2024
National Statistics Day 2024 will focus on the theme "Use of Data for Decision Making," highlighting the critical role that data plays in informing decisions across various sectors, driving sustainable development, and fostering innovation.
The celebration will include seminars, workshops, and educational programs aimed at promoting statistical literacy and showcasing the practical applications of statistics in policy- making and everyday life. By emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making, Statistics Day 2024 aims to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of statistics, encouraging individuals and organizations to harness the power of data for the betterment of society.
Relevance and Significance of National Statistics Day
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Honoring Contributions: It honors the contributions of Indian statisticians, especially Professor P.C. Mahalanobis, whose work has left an indelible mark on the field.
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Promoting Statistics: The day aims to popularize statistics as a field of study, encouraging students and researchers to delve into this important discipline.
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Public Awareness: It raises public awareness about the role of statistics in everyday life and its importance in shaping policies for societal welfare.
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Inspires Youth: Encourages young minds to learn and apply statistics in daily life, fostering a new generation of statisticians.
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Policy Development: Highlights the use of statistics in developing and outlining effective policies for the country's progress.
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Showcases Practical Applications: Demonstrates the diverse applications of statistics across various sectors, emphasizing its relevance in governance and daily activities.
National Statistics Day: Theme over the years
A glance at previous National Statistics Day
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Statistics Day 2021 focused on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) - 2, emphasizing efforts to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
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Statistics Day 2020 celebration was centered around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) and SDG-5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls).
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Statistics Day 2019 focused on revamped portal for the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and the SDG Dashboard.
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At Statistics Day 2018, commemorative coins were released in honor of Professor P. C. Mahalanobis on his 125th Birth Anniversary. The then Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu released a commemorative coin of Rs 125 and a circulation coin of Rs 5 denomination at the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata.
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29th June, 2017 marked the beginning of the 125th year of birth of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. On the occasion of 11th Statistics Day, an exhibition was inaugurated on Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis in Mahalanobis Bhawan, Baranagar, Kolkata.
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On 29th June, 2016, the 10th Statistics Day was celebrated all over India by the Ministry, State Governments, Offices of National Sample Survey Office spread throughout the country, Indian Statistical Institute, Universities/Departments, etc.
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The 9th Statistics Day, 2015 was celebrated by organizing Seminars, Conferences, etc. On this occasion, National Award in Statistics, constituted in the Honour of Prof. C.R. Rao was conferred to Dr. Hukum Chandra, Scientist, IASRI and Dr. Pulak Ghosh, Professor IIM, Bangalore
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The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation celebrated the 8th Statistics Day 2014 on the theme ‘Services Sector Statistics’ in view of contribution and importance of this sector to Indian economy.
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2013 Statistics Day theme focused on "Labour and Employment Statistics," emphasizing the role of statistics in understanding and addressing issues related to labor and employment in India
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2012 Statistics Day’s theme was based on "Industrial Statistics," aimed at enhancing the quality of data in this field for objective planning and policy making
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2011 Statistics Day focused on "Gender Statistics." This theme underscored the importance of collecting, analyzing, and utilizing gender-disaggregated data to support effective planning and monitoring of women empowerment programs in India.
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The fourth Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June 2010. The theme of Statistics Day 2010 was “Child Statistics”
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The Third Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June 2009 with two National Awards in Statistics in honour of great Indian Statistician Prof. C.R. Rao and in memory of Prof. P.V. Sukhatme.
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The second Statistics Day was commemorated on 29th June 2008 in New Delhi by remembering Professor Mahalanobis’s recognition of the importance of institutional structures and his all-encompassing vision of statistics
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On June 5, 2007, the Government of India published a notification in the Gazette of India designating June 29th as Statistics Day.
Conclusion
Much more than just a commemoration of the birth anniversary, the significance of the National Statistics Day celebration lies in underscoring the pivotal role of statistics in contemporary governance and societal development. The observance serves as a crucial reminder of the power of accurate, reliable statistics in shaping effective, transparent, and accountable governance, thus fostering a more informed and empowered society. As India progresses towards a data-driven future, the special day will continue to serve its relevance to underscore the essential role of statistics in modern society
References:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1936233
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1837970
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1731128
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1635128
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1576300
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1537153
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Santosh Kumar/Sarla Meena/Ritu Kataria/Anjali Gupta/Abhinandan Sharma
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