29th June is celebrated as ‘Statistics Day’, to mark the birth anniversary of late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, in recognition of his valuable contribution in the field of Economics, Planning and Statistics.

The major objective of celebrating Statistics Day is creation of public awareness, especially among younger generation, on the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for development of the country.

With the theme of ‘Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals,' Statistics Day 2023 celebrations were held by NSSO (FOD), Mumbai, Ministry of Statistics and P.I. in association with S.K.Somaiya College, Mumbai.

Supriya Roy, deputy director general, NSSO FOD, RO Mumbai, in her  keynote address expressed her views highlighting the importance of the theme. Emphasising on the broader issues on economic development focusing on growth and equity, former National Statistical Commission chairman Dr R B Barman said that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not only crucial for equity but also a major drivers of sustained inclusive growth. “The information system should be disseminated upto grassroot level to achieve the goal of broad based development.”

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has developed a National Indicator Framework (NIF) for SDGs, in sync with GIF, for facilitating the monitoring of SDGs at the national level. The NIF was developed following due consultations with line ministries/departments, states/UTs, UN agencies, research Institutions and other stakeholders. MoSPI periodically reviews and refines the NIF in consultation with relevant stakeholders. Based on the latest NIF, MoSPI releases the annual progress report with time series data which helps in tracking the progress of SDGs at national level.

Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner of India, highlighted the need to use of statistical data as inputs in policy formulation as well as program implementation at all levels in our quest to achieve sustainability of enterprise through Responsible production.

“This would be integral to reach targets by 2030 for sake of humanity at our planet. Data, the new oil is the most important input for credible and measurable output and outcome and hence requires synergies between responsible production by Industry and seamless integration with academia/reasearch, more so to align to the G20 message of 'Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam',” he said.

D.S.Tidke, joint director, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Govt of Maharashtra, and Maharnab Manna, deputy director, Ministry of Textiles, were also present at the event.