75th Anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS): A Milestone Celebration

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 7th February 2025. The event marked the beginning of a nationwide series of initiatives highlighting NSS’s critical role in evidence-based policymaking, raising awareness about data-driven governance, and engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors.

The celebration featured keynote addresses, expert discussions, the unveiling of Diamond Jubilee publications, and special performances emphasizing NSS’s fieldwork contributions.

Key Highlights of the Event

Inauguration and Welcome Address

• Smt. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General (NSS), welcomed the attendees.
• Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble MoS for Statistics & PI, inaugurated the event.
• The Minister emphasized NSS’s role in shaping India’s policy landscape across employment, consumption, health, and education.
• He highlighted the government’s commitment to innovation, technology adoption, and strengthening the statistical system.

Keynote Addresses and Remarks

Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, emphasized

• NSS’s 75-year impact on India’s socio-economic policies.
• The importance of data-driven policymaking for national progress.
• The need for innovation and new technologies to keep India globally competitive.

Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI

• He congratulated NSS for its reliable data contributions.
• He acknowledged the National Statistical Office (NSO) for improving data accessibility and timely survey results.

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Special Recognition and Publications

• The Hon’ble Minister unveiled two Diamond Jubilee publications,
• Journey of NSS 75 Years for Household Surveys.
• Journey of NSS 75 Years for Enterprise Surveys.
• Outstanding NSO performers were honored with Karmayogi awards.
• A Nukkad Natak (street play) by the NSS team showcased the fieldwork and real-world impact of NSS surveys.

Expert Panel Discussions

• “Future Ready Indian Statistical System for Viksit Bharat @ 2047”
• Moderated by: Dr. Dalip Singh, ADG, ESD, MoSPI.
• Panelists
• Prof. Chetan Ghate, Director, IEG.
• Dr. Shalabh, Professor, IIT Kanpur.
• Ms. Aditi Chaubal, Associate Professor, IIT Bombay.
• Mr. Marcin Piatkowski, Program Leader, The World Bank.

Key Discussions

• Bridging data gaps.
• Role of AI and Machine Learning in surveys.
• Real-time data generation for policy impact.
• Strengthening public-private partnerships for data innovation.
• “The Importance of Alternative Data Sources in Shaping Economic Policies”
• Moderated by: Shri Praveen Srivastava, Former Secretary & CSI, MoSPI.

Panelists

• Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog.
• Dr. Ashish Kumar, Former DG, MoSPI.
• Dr. Himanshu, Associate Professor, JNU.
• Prof. Abhiroop Mukhopadhyay, ISI, Delhi.
• Dr. Rajesh Shukla, MD & CEO, PRICE.

Event Participation and Impact

• Over 1200 attendees, including,
• Policymakers.
• Researchers.
• State DES officers.
• NSS and NSO field officials.
• International organizations.
• The event showcased NSS’s indispensable role in shaping India’s statistical framework and guiding its journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.