Report of the Proceedings of the Meeting of Central and State Statisticians (New Delhi, 8-10 July, 1965)

Abstract

The Summary of the Meeting of Central and State Statisticians held in New Delhi during July 8–10, 1965, reviews a landmark effort to establish an integrated statistical development framework for India’s Fourth Five-Year Plan. Organized by the Planning Commission, the meeting brought together Central Ministries and State Governments to harmonize statistical schemes across key sectors such as agriculture, industry, education, and finance. The discussions emphasized the transition from authority-driven data practices to scientifically validated statistical methods, highlighting the need for national standards, cross-checking mechanisms, and operational relevance of data collection. Recommendations focused on strengthening Centre–State coordination, prioritizing essential statistical projects, reviving integrated household surveys, and embedding statisticians more deeply in policy formulation. The report underscores the pivotal role of reliable, purpose-driven statistics in effective governance and long-term development planning.