The National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Government of India celebrated its 17^th Foundation Day at Mahalanobis Auditorium, NSSTA, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This celebration marks the 17 years of excellence in statistical training and capacity building of NSSTA. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Empowering Governance Through Statistical Excellence - 17 Years of Capacity Development and Collaboration.” The event underscored NSSTA’s crucial role in equipping statisticians and field officials with advanced methodologies, ensuring high quality data collection that supports evidence-based policy making.

The celebration commenced with the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, followed by Vandana and a performance of the musical instrument by the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Shri K. B. Surwade, ISS, Additional Director General (CDD), MoSPI, delivered the welcome address, highlighting NSSTA’s role in developing statistical professionals and modernizing data collection methodologies. He emphasized its responsibility in strengthening statistical capacity across central, state, and UT governments, as well as developing countries, through a blend of traditional and modern approaches. He also underscored NSSTA’s national and global collaborations, the Indian data governance framework, and its commitment to fostering a data-driven and prosperous India, while expressing gratitude to MoSPI for their support.

Shri P. R. Meshram, ISS, Director General (DG), MoSPI, addressed NSSTA’s 17th Foundation Day, highlighting its role in strengthening statistical systems since 2009. He emphasized NSSTA’s contributions to capacity building, having trained over 4,000 officers, including international participants, through collaborations with global institutions. Stressing the evolving role of statisticians, he called for technical proficiency, ethical integrity, and dynamic skilling to support Viksit Bharat 2047. Shri Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, highlighted global perspectives on capacity building in official statistics and potential collaborations with NSSTA to promote statistical excellence. India has made significant contributions to the global statistical field, with pioneers like Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis shaping modern frameworks that continue to drive policymaking and governance. Accurate and timely data is crucial for tracking Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with platforms like the National Indicator Framework (NIF) and Global Indicator Framework (GIF) relying on robust statistics for informed decision-making. As India advances toward Viksit Bharat 2047, the United Nations remains a committed partner, emphasizing that data should serve as a unifying force in addressing complex global challenges.

 

 

Dr. Saurabh Garg, IAS, Secretary, MoSPI, provided insights on statistical strategy and India's future priorities. He emphasized the integration of advanced technologies, real-time data generation, and alternative data sources. Highlighting India's evolving statistical landscape, he underscored the role of technology, collaboration, and high-quality data in shaping the future. He also acknowledged the National Sample Survey's 75-year legacy in shaping India’s socio-economic and environmental policies, strengthened through NSSTA’s capacity-building initiatives. District-level data releases are in Plan, which will bolster evidence-based governance. The collaborations with IITs and other institutes of repute have fuelled research. Additionally, India’s leadership in the UN Statistical Commission and initiatives like iGOT have reinforced statistical literacy and innovation. With a focus on quality, inclusivity, and modernization, MoSPI aims to position India as a global leader in data-driven decision-making, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

 

Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Capacity Building Commission (CBC), addressed the collaboration and role of NSSTA in strengthening the vision of the Capacity Building Commission. NSSTA actively collaborates with iGOT and CBC and has demonstrated exemplary performance during National Learning Week (NLW) alongside the Field Operations Division of MOSPI, with a significant percentage of users completing the target of 4+ learning hours.

He stressed that the world is evolving rapidly, making it imperative to embrace technology to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. As the pace of data collection and surveys accelerates, there is an need to reassess how information is analyzed and utilized effectively. He emphasized that Al and big data are revolutionizing statistical applications, underscoring the necessity of integrating Al training into decision-making processes and promoting widespread digital adaptation. He further highlighted the critical role of NSSTA in advancing data-driven governance by enabling individuals to comprehend and apply data in everyday decision-making. Leveraging platforms such as IGOT for digital learning, he asserted that the focus must be on equipping all civil servants with essential statistical and technological competencies to enhance policy implementation and governance.

In continuation to this, Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of NSC, emphasized its role in capacity development and the growing significance of data in AI and modern technologies. He highlighted that without embracing these innovations, individuals and institutions risk obsolescence. AI models rely on vast datasets for insights, making inferential statistics crucial for data relevance. While AI holds great potential for national development, human intelligence remains vital. He cautioned against misinterpreting data, stressing the need for sound judgment in decision-making.

 

A vote of thanks presented by Dr. J. S. Tomar, DDG, NSSTA to all dignitaries, our partners, collaborators, and well-wishers, whose continued support and encouragement have strengthened NSSTA’s vision and activities.

As part of the celebrations, NSSTA also released the Statistical Training needs Assessment (STA) Survey Report, prepared in collaboration with the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). The survey assesses the skill levels and training needs of Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officers and provides key insights to develop a targeted training strategy. The report highlights areas for capacity building, including advanced statistical methods, IT tools, and interdisciplinary competencies, ensuring a structured approach to professional development. Dignitaries at the event emphasized the significance of the report in fostering a culture of continuous learning and strengthening MoSPI’s training initiatives.

 

A technical session followed, featuring discussions on the use of official statistics in governance. The speakers included Shri Amarjeet Sinha, IAS, Former Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, who shared experiences on official statistics use cases for decision-making. Dr. Sonalde Desai, NCAER, highlighted the importance of capacity development for producing and using official statistics. Dr. Amandeep Singh Kapoor, IPS, Director, CDTI, Jaipur, emphasized the importance of NSSTA and CDTI collaboration for mutual benefits. NSSTA is also collaborating with other national institutes of repute, as well as UN and international agencies like the World Bank, IMF SARTTAC. Through partnerships with global organizations, we are aligning our methodologies with international best practices while maintaining their relevance to our unique national context. He highlighted the role of data inclusivity in policymaking, advocating for the integration of AI and non-traditional data sources such as satellite imagery and mobile data to enhance data collection and analysis. Additionally, he stressed the necessity of district-wise granular datasets for more effective policy targeting and capacity-building initiatives. Through partnerships with global organizations, we are aligning our methodologies with international best practices while maintaining their relevance to our unique national context. Representatives from the first three ISS pass-out batches (2007, 2008, and 2009) of NSSTA shared their training experiences and highlighted the way forward.

 

The event concluded with a vibrant cultural program. Today`s NSSTA 17^th foundation day celebrated NSSTA’s commitment to nurturing a future ready statistical workforce. As India moves towards realizing vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, NSSTA remains a cornerstone in the evolution of India’s statistical ecosystem, ensuring that official statistics continue to drive informed policy making and national progress. With 75 years of NSS shaping India’s development, NSSTA’s role in building the capacity of the next generation of statistical professionals will be instrumental in ensuring a data-driven and prosperous future to achieve the vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047.

******

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2102924) Visitor Counter : 914