MoSPI Celebrated 20th Statistics Day to Commemorate the 133rd Birth Anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis with the Theme ‘Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data’

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) celebrated the 20th Statistics Day on 29th June 2026, marking the 133rd birth anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis. This event is crucial for UPSC aspirants, especially for General Studies Papers 2 and 3, focusing on governance and economic development. Last Updated: 01-07-2026

Key Facts About National Statistics Day

• National Statistics Day is celebrated on 29th June annually, initiated by the Government of India in 2007.
• The day honors Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, the Father of Indian Statistics, for his contributions to statistical development.
• The main objective is to raise awareness about the role of statistics in socio-economic planning and policy formulation.
• The 2026 theme was "Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data," highlighting the use of government-generated data for policymaking.
• Prof. Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931 and the National Sample Survey (NSS) in 1950.
• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – National Indicator Framework Progress Report was released, tracking India's progress towards SDGs.

India's Statistical Advancements and Global Goals

The celebration of Statistics Day underscores India's commitment to enhancing its statistical systems, crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). India's progress in areas such as poverty reduction, health, and education is pivotal for its socio-economic growth and global standing. The focus on administrative data aligns with international trends towards data-driven governance.

UPSC Relevance

For UPSC aspirants, this topic is relevant for:

• GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations.
• GS Paper 3: Economic Development, Technology, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
• Prelims: Questions on the significance of Statistics Day, key contributions of Prof. Mahalanobis, and SDG progress indicators.
• Mains: Analytical themes on data-driven governance, the role of statistics in policy formulation, and India's progress towards SDGs.

FAQ Section

• Why is Statistics Day observed in India? To commemorate the birth anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis and promote awareness regarding the role of statistics in policymaking and socio-economic planning.
• What is the National Indicator Framework (NIF)? It is India's official framework for monitoring progress on all 17 SDGs using nationally identified indicators.
• What was the theme of Statistics Day 2026? The theme was "Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data," emphasizing the importance of government-generated data for evidence-based policymaking.
• What are the major contributions of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis? Mahalanobis founded ISI, established NSS, introduced Mahalanobis Distance, and was essential in the Second Five-Year Plan.