NONGPOH/AMPATI/TURA/BAGHMARA: National Statistics Day was observed across the state on Saturday together with the rest of the country.
National Statistics Day is celebrated annually on June 29 since 2006 and aims at sensitising the public about how statistics helps in shaping and framing policies.
The day also happens to be the birth anniversary of Professor PC Mahalanobis whose invaluable contributions helped establish the National Statistical System.
Centering on the theme ‘Sustainable Development Goals’, a variety of programmes were organised across the state to commemorate the auspicious day.
In Ri Bhoi, a programme was organised at the office of the District Statistical Officer in Nongpoh.
Rayonald Kharkamni, vice chairman of the Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) and general secretary of the Nongpoh Town Committee graced the occasion as the chief guest in the presence of officials and staff of the District Statistic Office. The programme was also attended by students and teachers from different schools in the district.
In his address to the gathering, Kharkamni spoke at length about the meaning, aim and objectives of statistics and encouraged the students to follow in the footsteps of Mahalanobis in order to become great statisticians.
In Ampati, an event to commemorate the occasion was organised by the District Statistical Officer at the BADO multi-facility centre which witnessed the participation of teachers, lecturers and officers from various departments including police personnel and students.
South West Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner SC Laloo attended the programme as the chief guest and lauded the department of Economics and Statistics for their contribution to various line departments by sharing essential data collected through their surveys.
Laloo also stated that although the department was not engaged in the implementation of government schemes, it still remains an essential branch of the government.
Earlier, District Statistical Officer Patricia Watre spoke about the importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formation. She elaborated on the theme of the programme by stating that on September 25, 2015 the Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by 193 countries at the 70th UN Summit of which India is signatory and that on January 1, 2016 the SDGs officially came into effect.
Others who spoke included inspectors of statistics Janseng Ch Momin, Mikasal T Sangma and the principal of Ampati Degree College, Willy Mondal.
National Statistics Day was celebrated at the SMELC Conference Hall in Dakopgre, Tura.
The programme was organised by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics in collaboration with the office of District Statistical Officer, West Garo Hills, Tura.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, District Agriculture Officer, West Garo Hills, Tura MD Arengh highlighted on the importance of the use of statistics.Referring to the collection of statistical information pertaining to various sectors of the economy, he said that the statistical department plays an important role in supplying statistical data to planners, administrators in the form of reports to cater to the needs of effective planning process and administration of the state.
Meanwhile, Functional Manager, District Commerce and Industries Centre, Tura Cherak FR Marak also stated that most departments rely on the department of statistics for data collection which is being used for the implementation of various schemes and programmes in the district.
In his keynote address, District Statistical Officer, Tura HB Lyngdoh spoke about the activities of the department comprising of conducting Crop Estimation Surveys, Land Use Statistics, Price Statistics, National Sample Surveys and other census and surveys.
“The District Statistical Handbook, District at a Glance and the District Level Block Indicator were also published by the department providing demographic profile as well as socio-economic aspects of the district and are useful for research scholars, planners and students,” he added.
An extempore speech competition was also held for students.
Baghmara in South Garo hills also celebrated the National Statistics Day.
Baghmara EAC Reuben Ch Momin highlighted the various roles played by the statistical department in the government’s policy making.
“Every policy that the government undertakes for the betterment of the people largely depends on the information collected by them,” he said.
He also urged the department to give proper training to people who may be collecting and compiling statistical data.
Others who spoke during the programme included Divisional Forest Officer, Baghmara Maxborn M Sangma, DDMO Baghmara Pipson Marak, Capt Williamson Govt. College lecturer Tina Marak and District Statistical Officer of Baghmara Gamseng Momin.