The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) inaugurated the 28th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) on August 12, 2024, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi. The two-day event focuses on “Use of Data for Decision Making: Strengthening State Statistical Systems,” aiming to foster collaboration and enhance the efficiency of the Indian Statistical System.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Planning, and Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh, inaugurated the conference. In his address, the Minister emphasized the importance of data in governance and the critical role that statistical systems play in achieving targeted interventions and measuring economic growth. He highlighted the need for close collaboration between Central and State Governments to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Vikisit Bharat@2047’.
The conference, attended by representatives from Central Ministries, State/UT Governments, World Bank, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, serves as a platform for discussing best practices, common issues, and the way forward for the national statistical system. The theme underscores the importance of data in informed decision-making and the need for strengthening statistical systems at the state level.
During the inaugural session, MoSPI released the 25th edition of its publication, “Women and Men in India 2023,” a comprehensive document offering insights into the current status of women and men across various socio-economic indicators. The report highlights significant achievements, including the reduction of the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) from 254 per lakh live births in 2004-06 to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20, and the increase in female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23.
Prof. Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, Chairman of the National Statistical Commission, addressed the participants, stressing the need for greater coordination between Central and State/UT Governments to meet the growing demand for data. He highlighted the importance of accessible, high-quality data and interoperable datasets for effective decision-making.
MoSPI Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg discussed ongoing reforms aimed at improving data quality and meeting dynamic data requirements. He mentioned several initiatives, including the e-Sankhiyiki portal, the Research and Analysis Unit, and the Data Innovation Lab, which are designed to enhance the availability and usability of data. Dr. Garg also highlighted the need for robust coordination mechanisms between MoSPI and State/UT statistical agencies.
Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), in a pre-recorded address, spoke about the CBC’s initiatives to improve human resource capabilities in line with global best practices. He encouraged participants to engage in specialized statistics-related courses being developed by the CBC in collaboration with MoSPI.
The conference will cover a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture and Livestock Statistics, Sustainable Development Goals, Sample Surveys, National and Regional Accounts, Economic Census, Social Statistics, and more. These discussions aim to revitalize the statistical coordination mechanism between the Centre and States/UTs, ensuring a more robust and responsive National Statistical System.
