Shillong marks 20th National Statistics Day
SHILLONG, June 30: The National Statistics Office (Field Operations Division), Regional Office Shillong, celebrated the 20th National Statistics Day at the Shillong College Auditorium on Monday. The event, held under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), commemorates the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, known as the Father of the Indian Statistical System.
This year’s theme, “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data,” focused on the role of routine government data in strengthening policymaking and public service delivery.
Delivering the keynote address, Monojit Das, Deputy Director General, NSO (FOD), Shillong, stated that administrative data has become the backbone of evidence-based governance. He called for the integration of datasets across various departments while maintaining robust legal safeguards and protecting individual privacy.
The chief guest, Prof Bishal Gurung, Head of the Department of Statistics at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), highlighted the increasing relevance of statistics in science and public policy. He advocated for the introduction of Statistics as a separate subject at the school level to improve statistical literacy among students.
In her inaugural address, EN Dkhar, Vice Principal of Shillong College, paid tribute to Prof Mahalanobis and encouraged students to understand the practical applications of statistics in solving real-world problems.
The programme also featured a presentation by Jerrymaya Lyngdoh, Statistical Officer, Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Meghalaya, on the state’s efforts to standardise administrative datasets in line with MoSPI guidelines. Deputy Director, NSO (FOD), Shillong, O Patton, discussed the National Sample Survey and highlighted career opportunities within the field.
To mark the occasion, an extempore speech competition was held. Hundaka Leoza Hinge of St. Anthony’s College secured the first position, followed by Shirinmi Athary of St. Anthony’s College and Wanrisuk KR Lyngdoh of Shillong College as the first and second runners-up, respectively.
The event was attended by officials from the State Directorate of Economics and Statistics, faculty members, and students from various educational institutions.
