India will today celebrate the "National Statistics Day" in recognition of the notable contributions made by Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning. The day coincides with the late Professor's birth anniversary and the Government of India has designated the day in the category of Special Days to be celebrated at the national level.
Mahalanobis was an Indian scientist and statistician from West Bengal, widely known for his Mahalanobis distance theory - a statistical measure. He was also one of the members of the first Planning Commission of Free India.
According to the government, the objective of this Day is to create public awareness, especially among younger generation for drawing inspiration from Professor (late) about the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation.
Due to the ongoing Covid surge, the main event of Statistics Day 2022, will be organised through physical-cum-virtual mode. The theme of Statistics Day, 2022 is ‘Data for Sustainable Development’.
During the event, MoSPI also recognises the outstanding contribution through high quality research in the field of applied and theoretical statistics benefiting the official statistical system through awards instituted for this purpose.
Politicians such as Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Ministry of Planning and Hon’ble Minister of State of Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Prof. Bimal Kumar Roy, Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC); Dr. G. P. Samanta, Chief Statistician of India & Secretary, MoSPI; Prof. Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Director, Indian Statistical Institute will grace the event.
Additionally, senior officers of Central Ministries/Departments and other stakeholders will also participate in the event through hybrid (i.e. both physical and virtual) mode.