• Robust data key to effective governance, says Commissioner Secretary R Alice Vaz

SRINAGAR: The Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated the 20th National Statistics Day at its Bemina office today as part of the nationwide programme held by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

The day marks the birth anniversary of Professor P. C. Mahalanobis, father of Indian statistics. Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, R. Alice Vaz, inaugurated the programme.

In her address, she highlighted the role of statistics in planning, governance and sustainable development. She stressed the critical importance of robust statistical systems for evidence-based policymaking, improving service delivery and enabling targeted development interventions.

The Commissioner Secretary called upon the officers and field staff to ensure timely, accurate and reliable data collection, stressing that quality statistics form the backbone of effective monitoring and evaluation. She said the department is committed to adopt modern tools and technology to strengthen the statistical framework across Jammu and Kashmir and make data accessible for the planners, researchers and the citizens.

On the occasion, Director General, Economics & Statistics, J&K, Riyaz Ahmad Romshoo, emphasized the vital role of young statisticians and new entrants to the service in strengthening the department.

During the celebration, messages from the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and Chief Secretary were also read out to the gathering, underscoring the importance of statistics in evidence-based governance and inclusive development.

Regional Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Jammu, Ashu Gupta; Regional Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Kashmir, Sheikh Shavaiz Ahmad and former Director General, Economics & Statistics, J&K, G A Qureshi also addressed the event.

The technical sessions of the programme featured insightful presentations by the departmental officers, trainees from the School of Applied Economics & Statistics (SAES) and postgraduate research scholars. These deliberations focused on ā€œUnlocking the Potential of Administrative Dataā€ and highlighted the evolving role of official statistics in strengthening the evidence based policymaking and governance.

The discussions particularly highlighted the need to strengthen the administrative data systems for greater reliability and integration,Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Enhance statistical literacy among youth and practitioners to build a culture of informed decision making and leverage official statistics as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.

The event was attended by the officers and officials of J&K Economics & Statistics Service, along with dignitaries from the statistical and academic community.

A similar programme was also organized at the DES Camp Office Janipur Jammu which was attended by Deepa Sharma, Principal SAES, Jammu and Shoba Rani, Joint Director (Surveys), DES J&K besides other officers and officials of Directorate, office of the Regional Director, Evaluation & Statistics, Jammu and School of Applied Economics & Statistics, Jammu.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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