Press Release from NSO (FOD) Regional Office, Gangtok
NSO (FOD) Regional Office, Gangtok
Celebrates 20th Statistics Day 2026
Gangtok, June 29, 2026: The National Statistics Office (NSO), Field Operations Division (FOD), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), celebrated the 20th Statistics Day on Monday,29th June at the Farmers' Hostel Conference Hall, Tadong, commemorating the 133rd birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of the modern Indian statistical system.
Observed annually since 2007, Statistics Day aims to promote awareness of the role of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation. The theme for this year's celebration, "Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data," highlighted the growing importance of administrative data in evidence-based governance and informed decision-making.
Shri N. Mohondas Singh, ISS, Director, NSO (FOD), Coordination & Quality Control Division, North Eastern Zone, Guwahati, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by Dr. Manish Choubey, Professor, Department of Economics, Sikkim Central University; Dr. Niranjan Debnath, Head of Department , Department of Economics, SRM University, Sikkim; and Shri Navin Sharma, Assistant Director, Directorate of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation (DESM&E), Government of Sikkim, as Special Guests and distinguished panelists.
The programme commenced with the traditional welcome of the dignitaries by Shri D. R. Sharma, Assistant Director, NSO (FOD), Regional Office, Gangtok, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and offering of floral tributes to the portrait of Professor P. C. Mahalanobis.
In his welcome address, Shri D. R. Sharma highlighted the growing importance of administrative data generated by government departments and public institutions while emphasizing the need to address challenges related to its integration, quality, and effective utilization.
Delivering the inaugural address, Shri N. Mohondas Singh paid tribute to Professor Mahalanobis' pioneering contributions to India's statistical system and underscored the indispensable role of reliable data in policy formulation, governance, and national development. He also recalled that Professor Mahalanobis was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan in 1968 for his exceptional contributions to national planning.
A presentation on the life and achievements of Professor Mahalanobis was delivered by Shri Gaurab Maity, Junior Statistical Officer, who also discussed the significance of administrative data and the challenges associated with its validation and integration.
The technical session featured insightful presentations by eminent experts. Dr. Niranjan Debnath discussed the strengths and limitations of administrative data, highlighting its real-time nature and wider population coverage compared to sample surveys. Shri Navin Sharma presented key findings from the Unnayan Sarvekshan 2022, sharing statistical trends on population, literacy, gender ratio, housing, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and other socio-economic indicators of Sikkim, besides outlining the statistical initiatives undertaken by the State Government.
Dr. Manish Choubey delivered a comprehensive presentation on the use of administrative data by maintained by State, Central, and international organizations. He elaborated on the application of big data in disaster management, public health, education planning, smart cities, and other sectors, while also discussing the associated challenges.
The programme also featured cultural performances by NSO officials, including folk dances, songs, and poetry recitations. An Open Quiz Competition and a Slogan Writing Competition were organized, with prizes and mementoes presented to the winners. Shri Tubai Dutta, SSO, served as the Quiz Master, and the competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and government officials alike. The event was marked by remarkable presence of officers and staff of NSO (FOD) and DESM&E .
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shri Sachin Madhesia, Assistant, NSO (FOD), Regional Office, Gangtok, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, participants, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the programme.
