New Delhi: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) commemorated the 20th Statistics Day on 29th June 2026 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The Statistics Day is celebrated annually in honour of the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis who was the architect of India’s modern statistical system and a pioneer in economic planning.
The theme for this year’s Statistics Day was, “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data”, which underscored the growing importance of leveraging data generated through administrative processes for evidence-based policymaking and governance. The inaugural function was chaired by Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister and the chief guest on this occasion.
Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of MoSPI, Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI and Dr. Saibal Chattopadhyay, Chairperson, National Statistical Commission were also present during the event.
Shri P.R. Meshram, DG (Data Governance), in his welcome address talked about the various steps being taken by the Ministry in harmonization of administrative data and unlocking the same.
Chief Guest of the event, Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Prime Minister, in his address recalled the emphasis being given by the Hon’ble PM in data driven decision making. He remarked that the theme of the 20th Statistical Day marks inflection points of statistical system. Dr. Mishra further stated that the vast volume of digital information generated through public delivery systems, regulatory bodies, and sectoral databases must transition from a departmental byproduct into a cohesive, secure, and interoperable national asset.
He also emphasised that a well-coordinated data harmonisation will be achieved through improved interaction between different Ministries and Departments at the centre-level and state-level, thus emphasizing on the whole of government approach in modernizing the statistical system. He recognized the pivotal role of the inputs received from stakeholders like PMO, NITI Aayog, RBI, retired ISS Officers that helped to address the issues of the statistical system for betterment of the data ecosystem. Dr. Mishra concluded his speech with the remark that the goals of Viksit Bharat need to be measured on a continuous basis.