Robust data key to effective governance, says Commissioner Secretary R Alice Vaz
SRINAGAR, JUNE 29: The Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated the 20th National Statistics Day at its Bemina office today as part of the nationwide programme held by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The day marks the birth anniversary of Professor P. C. Mahalanobis, father of Indian statistics.
Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, R. Alice Vaz, inaugurated the programme.
In her address, she highlighted the role of statistics in planning, governance and sustainable development. She stressed the critical importance of robust statistical systems for evidence-based policymaking, improving service delivery and enabling targeted development interventions.
The Commissioner Secretary called upon the officers and field staff to ensure timely, accurate and reliable data collection, stressing that quality statistics form the backbone of effective monitoring and evaluation. She said the department is committed to adopt modern tools and technology to strengthen the statistical framework across Jammu and Kashmir and make data accessible for the planners, researchers and the citizens.
On the occasion, Director General, Economics & Statistics, J&K, Riyaz Ahmad Romshoo, emphasized the vital role of young statisticians and new entrants to the service in strengthening the department.
During the celebration, messages from the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary were also read out to the gathering, underscoring the importance of statistics in evidence-based governance and inclusive development.
Regional Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Jammu, Ashu Gupta; Regional Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Kashmir, Sheikh Shavaiz Ahmad and former Director General, Economics & Statistics, J&K, G A Qureshi also addressed the event.
The technical sessions of the programme featured insightful presentations by the departmental officers, trainees from the School of Applied Economics & Statistics (SAES) and postgraduate research scholars. These deliberations focused on “Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data” and highlighted the evolving role of official statistics in strengthening the evidence based policymaking and governance.
The discussions particularly highlighted the need to strengthen the administrative data systems for greater reliability and integration, Enhance statistical literacy among youth and practitioners to build a culture of informed decision making and leverage official statistics as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The event was attended by the officers and officials of J&K Economics & Statistics Service, along with dignitaries from the statistical and academic community.
A similar programme was also organized at the DES Camp Office Janipur Jammu which was attended by Deepa Sharma, Principal SAES, Jammu and Shoba Rani, Joint Director (Surveys), DES J&K besides other officers and officials of Directorate, office of the Regional Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Jammu and School of Applied Economics & Statistics, Jammu.
