National Statistics Day

About National Statistics Day: 

• It is celebrated in recognition of the notable contributions made by Professor (late) Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning.
• The main objective of celebrating Statistics Day is creation of public awareness, especially among the younger generation, on the role and importance of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation for development of the country.
• Since 2007, Statistics Day is celebrated every year with a theme of contemporary national importance. 
• The theme for Statistics Day, 2024 is "Use of data for decision-making".
• The concept of data driven decision making is important for making informed decisions in any field, and it is one of the pre-requisites for better understanding of statistical information, emanating from official statistics and for facilitating evidence-based decision making.

Who is Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis?

• He was born on 29 June 1893.
• He is known as the father of Indian statistics and was an Indian scientist and statistician. His role in India's post-independence economic planning is undeniable.
• He established the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931. It is one of the premier institutions for statistical research and training .
• He was awarded one of the highest civilian awards, the Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India for his contribution to science.

Q1: What is the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD)?

It serves under the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) as the central mechanism within the Secretariat of the United Nations to supply the statistical needs and coordinating activities of the global statistical system.

Source: 18th “Statistics Day” celebrated today with the theme "Use of Data for Decision-Making"