Improve transparency to build public trust, and strengthen evidence-based governance
Who remembers Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis OBE, FNA, FASc, FRS? This is a name many might not recognise today. But the Indian scientist and statistician is known for what is called the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure, and for being one of the members of the first Planning Commission of independent India. He also undertook pioneering studies in anthropometry (the measurement of the human individual). Mahalanobis founded the Indian Statistical Institute in Kolkata, when it was still called Calcutta. He contributed to the design of large-scale sample surveys. Not surprisingly, Mahalanobis has been considered the father of statistics in India. Since 2007, June 29 has been celebrated each year as National Statistics Day in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahalanobis and his contributions to statistical science and planning.
Statistics are essential. Every nation needs its own because accurate statistics provide the reliable data needed to make informed decisions, formulate effective public policies, and measure change. This is important in a number of fields: health, education, employment, agriculture, and economic growth.
This is a field that cannot be underestimated. Governments use statistical evidence to allocate resources, identify regional disparities, and monitor inflation and poverty. Used well, these can help respond to crises and evaluate whether development programmes are achieving their goals. Businesses, researchers, and civil society also rely on official statistics. This helps them understand trends, assess risks, and plan for the future.
Sound statistics enable evidence-based governance and promote transparency and accountability. National priorities can thus be based on facts, not just assumptions.
For Goa, the importance of accurate statistics cannot be overstressed. Policymakers need these to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social well-being. This agenda becomes all the more important in a small, densely populated state. Reliable data on tourism, mining, fisheries, agriculture, migration, housing, employment, education, public health, water resources, and waste management can allow more efficient governance. Statistics also support disaster preparedness. Businesses, researchers, and even citizens can use the evidence to make informed decisions about Goa’s future.
What is the quality of the statistics we have access to in Goa? Old-timers might recall the officials from Goa’s Union Territory days, who took the statistics business rather seriously. Today, cautious researchers have sometimes pointed out gaps in the world of statistics, or even the absence of figures in some sectors. But their relevance cannot be denied. We proudly announce that we have official websites, but when you visit them, you find that some of the statistics required for research or a news report are missing.
Mahalanobis (1893–1972) is still remembered for his major contributions to statistical science, economic planning, and large-scale sample surveys. National Statistics Day aims to raise public awareness of the importance of statistics in policymaking, governance, research, and socio-economic development. Each year, the observance focuses on a specific theme, highlighting how reliable data and statistical methods support evidence-based decision-making across sectors. It is important that the government is more transparent with the statistics it has on various sectors. On days like this, it is time for all to stop and think about the small things that make big differences in our lives.
