Odisha Chief Secretary Advocates Modern Statistical System for Tracking Socio-Economic Progress

Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Monday emphasized the urgent need for a modern and robust statistical system to accurately measure the state’s socio-economic progress. He was speaking at the 19th National Statistics Day event held in Bhubaneswar.

Highlighting the growing importance of data-driven governance, Ahuja said that an updated and comprehensive statistical framework is essential not only for assessing the effectiveness of government policies but also for identifying areas that require focused intervention.

“A modern statistical system will provide us with a clearer picture of the state’s socio-economic conditions and help us identify the gaps that need to be addressed,” he said.

Ahuja also underlined the importance of institutional capacity building to support the adoption and efficient use of new statistical tools and technologies. He urged government departments to work collaboratively and integrate data analytics into their planning and decision-making processes.

“Strong institutional capacity is key to ensuring that data is not just collected, but also interpreted and utilized effectively for public welfare,” he added.

The event saw participation from statisticians, economists, and government officials who discussed the role of quality data in evidence-based policymaking. This year’s Statistics Day marked the birth anniversary of Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the pioneer of modern statistics in India.

Officials from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics also presented insights on how real-time data collection, digital platforms, and AI-driven analytics could enhance the reach and accuracy of socio-economic planning.

The Chief Secretary’s call comes at a time when Odisha is focusing on inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development goals (SDGs), all of which require accurate, timely, and disaggregated data.