The National Statistical Office (NSO), Regional Office, Gangtok, successfully organized a series of outreach and awareness activities during October 2025 to mark the culmination of the year-long celebrations commemorating 75 years of the National Sample Survey (NSS)—a landmark in India’s statistical journey. Carrying forward various activities organized during the last nine months, a community discussion highlighting the benefits of NSS surveys was held at Namthang–Maneydara Gram Panchayat Bhawan under Namchi district on 9th October 2025. Panchayat President Smt. Geeta Sharma, Vice-President, and all the members of Namthang Maneydara GPU graced the event as the chief guest and special guests for the day. The objective of the interactive session was to enlighten public representatives and the local rural community about the significance of statistical data in planning and development at the grassroots level. A plantation drive was also undertaken to promote environmental sustainability and community participation.

An awareness rally highlighting the importance of public participation in surveys and addressing various social issues like Swachhata and substance abuse was held at Sichey-Ranka Road from the New STNM Hospital Gate to Bhanjhakri Falls, Gangtok, on 27/10/2025. Staff of RO Gangtok actively participated in the rally, displaying banners and slogans emphasizing the role of surveys in evidence-based policymaking and inclusive growth.

With a view to sensitizing the student community about the activities of the ministry, an awareness program on the “Benefits of Participation in Surveys Conducted by NSS” was organized at Raapjyor Cavery Hall, Sikkim University, 5th Mile Tadong, Gangtok, on 29th October 2025. The program was organized in collaboration with the Department of Economics, Sikkim University (SU). Dr. Manish Choubey and Dr. A. N. Shankar, HODs of the Department of Economics and Department of Commerce, SU, respectively, graced the program as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor. Speaking on the occasion, Shri D. R. Sharma highlighted the significance of data collected by NSO for policymakers, academicians, and researchers. Shri Tubai Dutta, SSO, Shri Aniket Anshu, and Gaurav Maity, JSOs, provided a detailed overview of the Indian statistical system along with reports and factsheets of a few recent surveys, viz., PLFS, ASUSE, TUS, and HCEs. Smt. Tenzing Choden, SSO, offered the vote of thanks.

The event was followed by an essay competition on the topic “Importance of Statistics for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. The Regional Office-level valedictory function, marking the culmination of the year-long celebrations of the 75th Year of NSS, was organized at the Conference Hall of NSO Regional Office, Gangtok, on 31/10/2025. During this valedictory program, medallions and certificates were also awarded to the winners of the essay competition held on 29/10/2025. Ms. Parishmita Kashyap, Sikkim University, Ms. Tshering Diki Sherpa, Harka Maya College of Education, and Ms. Neha Bhattacharya, Sikkim University, secured first, second, and third position, respectively, in the essay competition.

Shri Uttam Chettri, Additional Director, and Shri Pema Zangpo, Deputy Director, from the Directorate of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation, Govt. of Sikkim, attended the culminating event as Chief Guest and Guest of Honor. In his presidential address, Shri Uttam Chettri expressed gratitude to NSO for inviting them to the program and assured them of working in close collaboration for mutual benefits. Shri D. R. Sharma, AD, delivered the welcome address and provided a brief overview of the activities and outreach programs organized during the celebrations. Smt. Tenzing Choden, SSO, offered the vote of thanks. Officials, staff members, and invited guests participated in the closing ceremony.

Through these activities, NSO Regional Office, Gangtok, endeavored to enlighten the rural masses as well as the next generation of our society about the significance of data in decision-making and reiterated the enduring relevance of the National Sample Survey in shaping India’s data-driven development policies and fostering statistical awareness among the public, reaffirming the commitment of NSO to continue delivering reliable statistical data for national development.

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MPS

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