The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, is set to launch a series of events at national and at State level as a part of 75^th anniversary of the National Sample Surveys (NSS). An inaugural event marking this milestone will take place on 7^thFebruary 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will be a stepping stone to the series of nationwide initiatives and activities planned to commemorate the 75^thyear for highlighting the role of NSS data in evidence-based policymaking, raising awareness among the general public regarding the value of data in nation-building and engaging stakeholders & data users etc.

The inaugural event will commence with the welcome note by DG(NSS) followed by the testimonials from eminent personalities and a documentary showcasing the evolution of NSS surveys.  The opening remarks of Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI will be followed bythe key note address of Shri. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa.

The event will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Rao Inderjit Singh, the Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Statistics & Programme Implementation. On this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister will unveil two diamond Jubilee publications on concepts and evolution of definitions of Household Surveys and Enterprise Surveys of NSO, MoSPI on the journey of 75 years of NSS. The Karmayogi best performers of NSO will also be felicitated. A Nukkad Natak (Street play) on the glimpses of field work for NSS surveys will be performed by the NSS team.

The Diamond Jubilee publications titled Household/Enterprise Surveys of NSS: a journey of 75 years to be released in the event marks the remarkable milestone of 75years of NSS. The publications will serve as a valuable resource for conducting similar NSS surveys, by providing a comprehensive reference to the definitions and concepts outlined therein and will serve as a valuable resource for NSS data users, researchers, and academicians. Given the long-standing history of the NSS, spanning almost seventy-five years, the documents chronicle the evolution of survey methodologies and highlights the NSS's adaptability in capturing the evolving socio-economic landscape of the nation.

After the inaugural session, the proceedings will include paper presentations on NSS data by experts and panel discussions. The panel discussion on the topic: ‘Future Ready Indian Statistical System for Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ will broadly focus on addressing Key Data Gaps, the use of AI/ML in surveys, the generation of real-time survey data, the importance of collaboration with central, state& private sector for statistical advancement etc. The Importance of Alternative Data Sources in Shaping Economic Policies and their Integration into the National Statistical System is the second topic on which panel discussion is scheduled during the event.

The event will bring together more than 1000 participants which include distinguished group of stakeholders, policymakers, research scholars, State and Central Government counterparts, experts from International Organizations like the World Bank, ILO, FAO, IMF and members from various expert committees associated with NSS surveys, Field officers from all-over India, particularly those involved in the primary data collection of NSS, contributing to increased visibility and awareness of NSS’s important role.

This event is not only a celebration of NSS’s rich legacy but also a stepping stone for continuing innovation in India’s statistical systems. Through the series of activities/ celebrations, MoSPI aims to bring together experts, field officers, and stakeholders to ensure the continued success and relevance of NSS in shaping the future of India.

For more information about NSS surveys, please visit the MoSPI website at www.mospi.gov.in.

National Sample Survey anniversary highlights NSS data's role in evidence-based policymaking and future statistical innovation. The NSO, MoSPI will hold a national inaugural event marking the 75th anniversary of the NSS to highlight NSS data's role in evidence-based policymaking, release two Diamond Jubilee publications on Household and Enterprise survey concepts and evolution, felicitate performers, screen a documentary, and stage fieldwork portrayals. The programme includes expert papers and panel discussions on a future-ready statistical system-addressing data gaps, real-time data, AI/ML use, public-private collaboration-and on integrating alternative data sources into the national statistical system to inform economic policy.