The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India celebrated the 75^th anniversary of the National Sample Surveys (NSS) with a special event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 7^th February 2025. This milestone marks the start of a series of initiatives across the country, aimed at highlighting the vital role NSS data plays in evidence-based policymaking, raising awareness about the importance of data for nation-building, and engaging stakeholders from all walks of life.

The event started with welcome address by Smt. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General (NSS), followed by testimonials from eminent personalities, Dr. C. Rangarajan, Former RBI Governor, Dr. Rajiv Laxman Karandikar, National Statistical Commission (NSC) Chairman and Dr. S.P. Mukherji, Centenary Professor, University of Calcutta. A documentary was presented, highlighting the journey of NSS surveys over the past 75 years and its evolution.

 

The event was inaugurated by Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble MoS for Statistics & PI. In his inaugural speech, Hon’ble Minister, highlighted how crucial NSS has been in shaping India’s development through data-driven policymaking. He pointed out how NSS surveys have influenced key areas like employment, consumption, health, and education, driving critical policy decisions. He emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to advancing NSS, integrating new technologies, and ensuring it remains relevant in the years to come. The Minister also called for more innovation and collaboration within the statistical system for more inclusive, data-driven policy formulation.

Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, delivered an inspiring keynote address on celebrating NSS’s 75 years of impact on India’s growth. He emphasized the importance of data in driving informed policymaking and national progress. Shri Kant highlighted how NSS data has shaped India’s economic and social policies and called for continued innovation in the statistical field to keep data a powerful tool for growth, inclusivity, and competitiveness. He urged that innovation and adoption of new technologies will make India globally more relevant.

In the opening remarks, Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI congratulated NSS for its role in providing the reliable data that drives India’s policymaking. He recognized the National Statistical Office (NSO) for its tireless efforts in improving data access and reducing delays in survey results. Dr. Garg highlighted the major initiatives of NSO, MoSPI, like generating monthly labour market indicators from PLFS and incorporating provision for providing data at district level. Also initiative of short duration surveys for catering the specific needs of various stakeholders was also emphasized.

During the event, the Hon'ble Minister unveiled two Diamond Jubilee publications on the Journey of NSS 75 Years for Household/Enterprise Surveys.  These publications highlight the evolution of survey methodologies and are invaluable resources for researchers, policymakers, and academics. The event also recognized outstanding performers from the National Statistics Office (NSO) with the Karmayogi awards. A Nukkad Natak performed by the NSS team has given the glimpses of field work for NSS surveys

After the inaugural session, the event featured expert-led discussions on two important topics. The first panel, titled “Future Ready Indian Statistical System for Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” was moderated by Dr. Dalip Singh, ADG, ESD, MoSPI with panelists: Prof. Chetan Ghate, Director, Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), Dr. Shalabh, Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, IIT Kanpur, Ms. Aditi Chaubal, Associate Professor, IIT Bombay and Mr. Marcin Piatkowski, Program leader, Prosperity, The World Bank. The discussion tackled key issues like data gaps, the role of AI and Machine Learning in surveys, real-time data generation, and the need for stronger public-private sector partnerships. From the discussion it is emerged that NSS should adopt newer technologies in the field of survey and explore alternative data to leverage demographic dividend to achieve the target of Viksit Bharat.

The second discussion, “The Importance of Alternative Data Sources in Shaping Economic Policies,” was moderated by Shri. Praveen Srivastava, Former Secretary & CSI, MoSPI with panelists Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Former DG, MoSPI, Dr. Himanshu, Associate Professor, JNU, Prof. Abhiroop Mukhopadhyay, ISI, Delhi and Dr. Rajesh Shukla, MD&CEO, PRICE. The discussion explored the growing role of alternative data in policymaking and how it can be integrated into India’s national statistical system. The discussion emphasized the importance of creating a centralized architecture to integrate data from various stakeholders. It also highlighted the need to improve engagement with academic institutions and researchers. For better data utilization, the focus was on enhancing the interoperability of different data sources. Additionally, there was a suggestion to enrich the NSS (National Sample Survey) data by calibrating it with alternative data sources.

Around 1200 participants attended the event, including policymakers, researchers, officers from State DES, NSS officers including field officials from across India and representatives from international organizations. The event truly showcased how crucial NSS data is to India’s statistical framework and its role in shaping the nation’s path toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Suggestions and feedback are welcome at nssocpd.coord@mospi.gov.in

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Samrat/Dheeraj

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