Statistics Day 2025: 75 Years of National Sample Survey

TPP
Jun 28
4 min read

Updated: Jun 29

19th Statistics Day: 75 Years of National Sample Survey — *MoSPI Celebrates 19th Statistics day to commemorate 132nd Birth Anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis with the theme ‘75 Years of National Sample Survey’*

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will celebrate the 19th Statistics Day on 29th June 2025 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a visionary who laid the foundation of modern statistics and economic planning in India. The event aims to raise public awareness—especially among youth—about the role of statistics in national development, socio-economic planning, and evidence-based policy-making.

Since its inception in 2007, Statistics Day has been observed annually with a specific theme of national relevance.

The theme for 2025, “75 Years of National Sample Survey”, marks a significant milestone in India’s statistical journey, recognizing the enduring contribution of the National Sample Survey (NSS) in delivering reliable, timely, and policy-relevant data that form the backbone of India's governance and planning frameworks.

To mark the occasion and the 75-year legacy of the NSS, several landmark initiatives will be unveiled. These include the release of a Commemorative Coin and Customized My Stamp, as well as the launch of important publications such as the Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report 2025 and Nutritional Intake in India 2022–23 & 2023–24.

A major highlight will be the launch of the GoIStats mobile application, developed by MoSPI to provide user-friendly access to official statistics, empowering stakeholders across sectors. Additionally, the prestigious Prof. C.R. Rao National Award in Statistics will be conferred, and winners of the Data Visualization Hackathon organized by MoSPI will be felicitated.

The inaugural session will be followed by a technical session, including the screening of a short film commemorating the 75-year journey of the National Sample Survey, and a panel discussion on “Impact of Frontier Technologies on Official Statistics”, highlighting how next-generation technologies are shaping the future of data systems.

NSO Highlights Progress in Digital Transformation and Commitment to Viksit Bharat

On the occasion of Statistics Day 2025, the National Statistical Office (NSO), operating under MoSPI, will also showcase its comprehensive digital transformation, reinforcing its commitment to quality data delivery for India's long-term vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The digital journey, initiated with the launch of the eSankhyiki portal on Statistics Day 2024, has gained strong momentum in the past year.

This digital transformation focuses on two key pillars:

data dissemination (making statistical information publicly accessible) and
data collection (modernizing how data is gathered).

Over the past year, NSO has introduced over a dozen new digital modules, portals, and websites, significantly enhancing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

Among the major digital infrastructure developments are the launch of:

DI Lab (Data Innovation Lab) – an R&D hub for data science innovation;
OCMS (Online Central Monitoring System);
Metadata Portals – to enhance the understanding and traceability of statistical datasets;
Dedicated websites for National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA) and National Statistical Commission (NSC).

Additionally, public-facing dashboards have been created for core statistical areas such as:

Social Statistics Division (SSD),
Annual Survey of Industries (ASI),
Economic Census (EC),
and National Sample Survey (NSS).

These dashboards are now integrated into the eSankhyiki portal, which currently houses over 135 million records, making it one of the largest open statistical repositories in the country. The GoIStats mobile app, slated for launch on Statistics Day 2025, is the latest digital tool designed to make official statistics easily accessible on smartphones and tablets.

Integrating Emerging Technologies in Official Statistics

Demonstrating a forward-looking approach, MoSPI has also initiated efforts to integrate emerging technologies into its statistical production systems. The Ministry has identified seven key use cases for technologies such as AI (Artificial Intelligence), ML (Machine Learning), and Big Data analytics. Out of these, three Proofs of Concept (POCs) have already been completed, and pilots for three others are underway.

This innovation-driven agenda is backed by collaborations with international and multilateral agencies. Notably, India has become a member of the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UNCEBD), and NSO India was recently invited to present its institutional models and use cases at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Conference on Generative AI, reflecting global recognition of India’s leadership in statistical modernization.

Strengthening Data Security and Strategic Transformation

With the rapid digitization of statistical infrastructure, cybersecurity has become a top priority. MoSPI has appointed a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to lead a robust cybersecurity framework that ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of national statistical data. To bolster this effort, an expert agency has been hired to provide specialized manpower and manage emerging cyber risks effectively.

MoSPI is implementing its transformation through a strategic phased approach. The current phase emphasizes data dissemination and collection, with platforms like eSigma enhancing data gathering methodologies. Meanwhile, portals like eSankhyiki simplify access to statistical resources. The next phase, currently under finalization, will focus on data processing, aiming to deliver faster and more accurate statistical outputs.

Towards a Data-Driven Viksit Bharat

The Ministry’s digital transformation represents a strong commitment to making official statistics timely, accessible, and relevant for a data-driven New India. By 2047, when India aims to become a developed nation, MoSPI envisions a system where every citizen, policymaker, and researcher has access to high-quality data that drives evidence-based decision-making. The journey underway is not just a technological upgrade, but a transformative leap towards realizing the goals of Viksit Bharat.