06/29/2026
National Statistics Day 2026
India observes National Statistics Day on 29 June to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, whose work made a lasting contribution to statistics, large-scale sample surveys and economic planning in the country.
The theme for National Statistics Day 2026 is ‘Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data.’ Administrative data are generated routinely through the functioning of government departments and public institutions. Records relating to education, health, taxation, employment, welfare programmes and public services can provide valuable evidence for planning and policy evaluation.
However, the availability of data alone does not ensure sound decision-making. Its usefulness depends on accuracy, completeness, consistency and timely updating. Data collected by different institutions must also be made interoperable and comparable. Clear standards for data integration, privacy, security and responsible access are therefore essential.
Administrative data should not be treated as a complete substitute for censuses, surveys or field-based research. Its value is greater when it is validated and combined with information from multiple sources. Such triangulation can improve the reliability and detail of official statistics while reducing duplication in data collection.
National Statistics Day reminds us that statistics is not merely a set of numerical techniques. It is a scientific basis for understanding social and economic conditions, evaluating public programmes and making decisions under uncertainty. Strengthening statistical capacity and data governance is therefore necessary for transparent, accountable and evidence-based administration.
