Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Secretary, Dr. Saurabh Garg, today highlighted the role of official statistics in evidence-based policy-making and realising the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Addressing the gathering during the Indian Statistical Institute’s (ISI) 59th Convocation Day at its Delhi Centre in the national capital, Dr. Garg stated that the graduating students will get a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation through their skill sets. He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by MoSPI for enhancing user-friendly data dissemination and reforms of the sample surveys to provide timely and reliable statistics for policymaking.

The Secretary further stated the ISI will be a crucial partner in the Ministry’s endeavour to strengthen the statistical system to meet the data needs of all stakeholders. During the event, Chief Guest and Nobel laureate Prof. Abhijit Banerjee talked about the global impact of statistical sciences and the importance of rigorous research in shaping policy and economics worldwide. Prof. Banerjee urged the students to put their learnings to good use and find ways to create opportunities for the different segments of society.

This year, 470 students from various programs, including Ph.D., M.Tech., M.Stat., M.Math., MS, B.Stat., and B.Math., were awarded their degrees and diplomas.