Celebrating India’s statistical legacy
National Statistics Day 2025 Honouring Data for Development: India observes National Statistics Day on 29 June every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. He is widely regarded as the father of Indian statistics. This day pays tribute to his pioneering contributions to economic planning, statistical research, and institutional development in India.
Contributions of P.C. Mahalanobis
Prof. Mahalanobis developed the Mahalanobis Distance, a statistical measure widely used in multivariate data analysis.
He played a key role in shaping India’s Five-Year Plans and founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931.
He also helped establish the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950, enabling systematic data collection for development planning.
Static GK fact: P.C. Mahalanobis was a member of the first Planning Commission of India and contributed significantly to the Second Five-Year Plan focused on rapid industrialization.
Significance of the Day
The Government of India officially designated 29 June as National Statistics Day in 2007.
The purpose is to raise awareness about the role of statistics in policy formulation, governance, and developmental planning.
It also aims to promote data literacy and encourage young minds to take up careers in the statistical sciences.
Static GK fact: The celebration was initiated under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), which oversees India’s national statistical framework.
Events and activities across the nation
Each year, MoSPI announces a theme to highlight specific developmental areas tied to statistical work.
Academic institutions and government bodies conduct seminars, lectures, and panel discussions involving statisticians, researchers, and policymakers.
There are also competitions, exhibitions, and awards that recognize excellence in statistical innovation and communication.
Static GK Tip: Previous themes have included topics like sustainable development goals, health statistics, and agricultural data.
Importance of statistics in governance
Reliable data forms the backbone of public policymaking in sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Statistics enable assessment of GDP, unemployment, poverty, and resource allocation, forming the basis for evidence-based governance.
National Statistics Day highlights the need for transparent, timely, and accurate data in fostering sustainable development.
Shaping the future with data
The day urges India to adopt a culture of statistical thinking and boost capacity in data science.
Strengthening national data systems and integrating modern analytics and AI-based tools is essential.
By enhancing education in statistics, India can empower its youth to lead in global data-driven governance.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
National Statistics Day 2025 Honouring Data for Development:
| Topic | Detail |
| Observed on | 29 June every year |
| First celebrated | 2007 |
| Honours | Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis |
| Developed by Mahalanobis | Mahalanobis Distance |
| Key Institution | Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) |
| Data Collection Body | National Sample Survey (NSS) |
| Ministry in Charge | Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) |
| Contribution to Planning | India’s Five-Year Plans |
| Objective | Promote data literacy and statistical thinking |
| Key Sector Applications | Governance, health, education, agriculture |
