MoSPI celebrates 20th Statistics Day on 133rd birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis

📌 Summary:

• MoSPI commemorated the 20th Statistics Day on 29th June 2026 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi
• The day is observed annually on the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, architect of India's modern statistical system and pioneer of economic planning
• This year marked his 133rd birth anniversary; theme: "Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data"
• Officials stressed using administrative data to complement traditional surveys while preserving statistical integrity and credibility
• Emphasis on a "whole of Government" approach to modernise the statistical system and enable evidence-based, data-driven governance
• Chairman, National Statistical Commission (NSC) noted modern administrative datasets must provide granular, reliable and secure information alongside surveys

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Indian Economy) — statistical capacity, data ecosystem modernisation and the role of evidence-based policymaking; Mahalanobis's contribution to planning.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Statistics Day observed every 29th June
• Honours P.C. Mahalanobis (architect of the Mahalanobis model for the Second Five Year Plan)
• 2026 theme: "Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data"
• National Statistical Commission (NSC) is the apex advisory body on statistics

🔑 Key Term: Administrative data — data generated as a by-product of government administrative/operational processes (e.g., registrations, tax records), increasingly used to supplement survey-based statistics.