NSO Hosts ‘Anvesha 2.0’ Quiz on Official Statistics at Gauhati University

As part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the National Sample Survey (NSS), the National Statistics Office (NSO), Field Operations Division, Regional Office Guwahati, Government of India, organised the regional leg of the nationwide quiz competition Anvesha 2.0 on Friday at the Gauhati University.

The event saw participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students of Economics, Statistics, and allied disciplines from various institutions across Assam. Cotton University clinched the first prize, with its students Anwesha Bujarbaruah and Ranjan Sobbor winning medals, certificates, and a cash award of ₹10,000. The team also received the prestigious “Anvesha 2.0” trophy for the year 2025.

The second prize went to Shaktiman Pegu and Partha Protim Bharaluwa of Kumar Bhaskar Varma Sanskrit and Ancient Studies University, who were awarded ₹6,000 in total, along with medals and certificates. Cotton University also secured the third prize through participants Abhinanda Hazarika and Diganta Sarmah, who were awarded ₹4,000 in total, in addition to medals and certificates. All participants received certificates of participation.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri N Mohondas Singh, Director of the North Eastern Zone and Regional Head of NSO RO Guwahati, who delivered the keynote address. He spoke about the significance of official statistics in national planning and policy formulation, and the evolution of the National Sample Survey over the past 75 years.

“In 1950, the NSS was established to conduct large-scale sample surveys that would inform policy decisions. Since then, it has evolved with technology, increased the frequency of key surveys, and significantly reduced data release times, ensuring policymakers have timely and accurate data,” Singh said. He added that Anvesha 2.0 aims to create awareness among students about the role of statistics in national development and policy-making.

Prof. Kishore Kumar Das, Head of the Department of Statistics at Gauhati University, Prof. Ratul Mahanta, Head of the Economics Department at the same institution, Dr. Bandana Sharma, Head of the Department of Statistics at Cotton University, and Smt. Biduli Sharma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education at Gauhati University, were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion.

In her address, Dr. Bandana Sharma underscored the importance of accurate and reliable data in governance and highlighted the pioneering role of P.C. Mahalanobis in shaping India’s statistical infrastructure. Prof. Ratul Mahanta pointed out the vital role played by NSO in socio-economic planning and the implementation of policies such as the National Education Policy. Prof. Kishore Kr. Das encouraged students to understand the growing relevance of data in shaping India’s future and highlighted recent developments in official statistics.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Jishnu Datta, Deputy Director, NSO Zonal Office (North Eastern Zone), followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and felicitation of guests. The quiz competition was hosted by Shri Derajuddin Ahmed and Shri Raktim Talukdar.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Sankar Chakraborty, Assistant Director, RO Guwahati. The formal programme was followed by high tea and refreshments.

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