Minister Highlights NSS Role in Nation-Building

Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for MoSPI, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he underlined the indispensable role of timely and reliable statistics in supporting India’s development vision and praised the unwavering efforts of NSS field staff over the decades.

He noted that the NSS has played a crucial role in shaping welfare programmes, economic reforms, and evidence-based decision-making. According to PIB reports, the Minister commended the commitment of statisticians and data collectors who continue to support a data-driven roadmap for Viksit Bharat @2047.

Digital Transformation of Surveys: A New Era of Data Collection

MoSPI Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg delivered the opening remarks, emphasising the rapid digital evolution of India’s statistical system. He highlighted tools such as e-SIGMA, chatbots, and Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) as key innovations that have modernised survey operations.

Dr. Garg also stressed the growing importance of integrating administrative data with survey-based statistics and creating updated sampling frames for rapidly urbanising regions. He acknowledged the contributions of more than 10,000 NSS field staff, who ensure continuous and accurate data collection nationwide.

NSS Legacy & Journey from Paper to Digital

Director General (NSS) Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore revisited the remarkable seven-decade journey of the organisation, highlighting how NSS evolved from paper-based data collection to cutting-edge digital technologies.

She said the transformation has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and the quality of national statistics, enabling stronger linkages between data systems and public policies.

Key Publications & Portals Launched

A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of several publications and digital tools:

• Coffee Table Book: “From Inception to Innovation: The Story of NSS”
• Stories Behind Numbers – Journal of FOD: Creative contributions from NSS field staff
• Special Sarvekshana Supplement: Chronicling 75 years of NSS excellence
• National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025: Updated to align with ISIC Rev. 5
• Data Innovation Lab Portal: AI/ML-based statistical innovation platform

The Minister also released the official Anthem of the National Statistics Office, sung by noted musician Shankar Mahadevan, celebrating integrity, accuracy, and evidence-based governance.

Cultural Performances & Reflections from Field Staff

The event featured vibrant cultural presentations by NSS Regional Offices from Patna, Shillong, Gangtok, Ajmer, Burdwan, Shimla, and Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing the diversity and unity of the NSS community.

A panel discussion titled “Stories of Data Collection in NSS Surveys” was organised, featuring voices from grassroots governance, administration, and industry. The discussion highlighted the practical challenges and immense value of reliable data in shaping rural development, economic policy, and industrial growth.

World Statistics Day Observed Alongside the Ceremony

World Statistics Day, observed globally every five years, was commemorated with focused sessions on field communication strategies and the newly developed CAPI application for revising the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to the 2024 base year.

The updated CAPI system includes single-login authentication, role-based dashboards, geo-tagged outlets, and enhanced filters to ensure greater accuracy and timeliness in price data collection.