How to align the state’s indicator framework with that of the national framework in order to more effectively monitor self-development goals (SDGs) was the theme of this year’s National Statistics Day, which was celebrated nationwide, including in Shillong today.
The local observation was held at Shillong College here at a programme organised by the Shillong regional office of the National Sample Survey Office (Field Operations Division).
National Statistics Day is observed every year to mark the birth anniversary of Prof PC Mahalanobis (1893-1972), who is widely considered to be the ‘Father of the Indian Statistical System’. His pioneering work in this field contributed greatly to our nation for planning, development and several other fields. The major objective of celebrating National Statistics Day is the creation of public awareness, especially among the young generation, on the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for development of a country.
While delivering his keynote address in the event, N Mohondas Singh, Joint Director and Regional Head NSSO (FOD) Shillong narrated briefly about the life of Mahalanobis and his achievements. He stressed on the importance of reliable data in policy making and appealed to the people for cooperation when NSSO officials visit them to collect data for surveys conducted by the NSSO.
He further informed about the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) contribution in development of a state indicator framework aligned with the national indicator framework for effective monitoring of SDG goals.
E Kharkongor, Principal of Shillong College, also stressed on the importance of statistics and reliable data. She also spoke about holding interaction programmes for statistics students about job opportunities.
The chief guest of the event, Prof TK Chakrabarty of NEHU addressed the participants and delivered a presentation on the importance of the statistics and SDG framework. He detailed how important it is to have states’ own indicator framework aligned with the national framework.
A brief presentation on the theme of Statistics Day 2023 was presented by Prof Don Manik Syiem of Shillong College and Prof Evarilang Tariang of Shankar Dev College. Thereafter a quiz session was conducted about awareness of statistics.
