The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation today celebrated the 8th Statistics Day 2014 all over India. The theme selected for the 8th Statistics Day is ‘Services Sector Statistics’ in view of contribution and importance of this sector to Indian economy. State Governments, Offices of National Sample Survey Offices spread throughout the country, Indian Statistical Institute, Universities/Departments took part in the celebrations by organizing Seminars, Conferences, Debates, Quiz Programmes, Lecture Series and Essay Competitions. The main function was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. It was presided over by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, and Minister of State for Defence, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh. Chairman, National Statistical Commission, Dr. Pronab Sen was the Guest of Honor on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that quality statistics play a very important role in formulation of development and investment policies. It is also crucial for improving transparency and accountability in policy planning and implementation process to ensure better governance and management for having greater control on delivery of public services. Hence, quality statistics is a very crucial for good governance. He said, this year’s theme is highly appropriate in the current economic scenario. The Service Sector has been the fastest growing sector of the Indian economy for the last ten years. It has been identified as the potential growth engine. Its share in GDP has also been growing steadily every year over the past decade. It also accounts for a higher share in employment and even in future, more employment opportunities are likely to get created in service sector. It has, therefore, become imperative to pay immediate attention towards bridging the data gaps in this sector.
Shri Rao Inderjit Singh said that he is happy to announce that the ministry has undertaken a pilot survey on service sector. Based on the outcome of the pilot survey, suitable survey designs will be prepared to conduct annual surveys of service sector, which shall provide valuable information on key characteristics of the service sector to the planners and policy makers. He said, this will help in taking appropriate steps and adopting effective policies for growth of this sector. The Minister said, there are a number of e-governance initiatives taken by the government and also new sources of information have become available. He urged upon the ISS fraternity to use these platforms for integrating their requirements for informed decision making.
On this occasion, National Award in Statistics, constituted in the Honour of Prof. P.V. Sukhatme was conferred to Dr. N. S. Sastry, Ex. Director General & Chief Executive Officer, National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics & P.I. Few important Statistical Publications, viz. “Millennium Development Goals India Country Report 2014”, “SAARC Development Goals -2013 Statistical Appraisal” and “Women and Men in India 2013” were also released. Winners of Essay Competition were also given awards by Chairman, NSC and Secretary (Statistics and Programme Implementation) & Chief Statistician of India.
Statistics Day is celebrated on 29th June every year to mark the birth anniversary of Late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis who made notable contributions in the fields of statistics and economic planning. The objective of this Day is to create public awareness, specially the younger generation for drawing inspiration from Late Prof. Mahalanobis about the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has been celebrating the Statistics Day every year since 2007.