Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 29: To commemorate 120th birth anniversary of Father of Indian Statistical System late Prof Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, Department of Economics and Statistics celebrated 7th Statistics Day here today.
Minister for Labour, Employment and Planning, Ajay Sadhotra was the chief guest on the occasion whileas Principal Secretary Planning and Development, B. R Sharma was guest of honour.
Addressing the function, the Minister said that the statistics is a magical science and the officers should make concerted and focusedefforts throughout the year to fill the data gaps, improve timeliness and quality of data related to the labour and employment which is the theme of this year’s Statistics Day.
He directed for collecting reliable data for use in planning, implementation, monitoring and re-designing of various developmental programmes, adding that the activity is absolutely essential for the State to develop more rapidly than in the past.
Paying tributes to Prof. Mahalanobis, Mr. Sadhotra said that the Professor was the First Statistical Advisor to Union Cabinet who laid the foundation for promoting teaching and research in statistics and for developing the official statistical system in the country.
Referring to the theme of this year’s Statistics Day “Labour and Employment”, the Minister said that the State Government is committed to protect and safeguard the interests of workers in general and those who constitute the poor, deprived and disadvantage sections of the society in particular.
Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, B. R. Sharma called Mahalanobis a legendary figure, a great statistician and promoter of talent.
“It should be our endeavor not only to carry forward the legacy of the professor but also take appropriate steps to improve the StaticallySystem in order to meet ever increasing data needs of diverse users”, he added.
In his introductory remarks, Director Economics and Statistics, B. R. Lachotra said that our country has produced several great statisticians but contributions made by Late Mahalanobis are exemplary.
Mr. Lachotra hoped that the celebration of Statistics Day will sensitize statistical fraternity and other stakeholders about the importance and role of statistics in addressing global challenges besides inspiring them for addressing data gaps in the country and State so that right inputs could be provided to the planners and policy makers for ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
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