UPSC Current affairs - Statistics Day

Statistics Day

Context:

  • In recognition to the notable contributions made by (late) Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis in the fields of statistics and economic planning, the Government of India has been celebrating his birth Anniversary, on 29th June, as “Statistics Day”.

Why is it celebrated?

  • The day is marked for spreading awareness among the country’s youth about the importance of Statistics in policy formulation and socio-economic planning.
  • The first National Statistics Day was observed in 2007. Professor Mahalanobis is best remembered for the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure.
  • The formula is used widely in the field of cluster analysis and classification.

About Mahalanobis –

  • Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis  was an Indian scientist and statistician.
  • He is best remembered for the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure, and for being one of the members of the first Planning Commission of free India.
  • He made pioneering studies in anthropometry in India.
About the Mahalanobis Plan –
  • Economic Planning in India started in the year 1950 was necessary for India which was left with empty hands after the exit of the colonial rule.
  • The driving force behind the Second Five Year Plan was P.C Mahalanobis who emphasized on Industrialization.
  • The Industrial Policy of 1948 was updated during this period and a new legislation was brought in. This was the industrial policy of the 1956.
  • Heavy Industries was the main focus of the second five year plan which set a goal of 25% rise in national income.

          Source The Hindu