Strong Statistics Key to Viksit Bharat 2047: P K Mishra

The correct answer is the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra, who spoke at the inaugural session of the conference held in New Delhi and organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. He argued that a strong statistical system is essential for evidence-based policymaking and for reaching the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, and described statistics as a strategic national asset rather than an administrative requirement. Option A, the Union Finance Minister, did not address the gathering, although the conference brought together State finance secretaries among others. Option C, the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, is a distractor; NITI Aayog was named in the address as one of the institutions whose collective effort is needed, but not as the speaker. Option D, the Chief Statistician of India, heads the statistical system but was not named as the keynote speaker in the announcement.

The correct answer is 2022-23. In his address, Dr. P. K. Mishra pointed to the introduction of the new National Accounts Series with 2022-23 as the base year, together with updated Consumer Price Index and Index of Industrial Production series, as an important step in keeping statistical methods aligned with an economy that is becoming more digital, more formal and more interconnected. Option A, 2011-12, was the base year of the earlier national accounts series and is therefore the most tempting wrong choice. Options B and D name years that were not adopted as the base for this revision. A base year matters because the structure of the economy in that year sets the weights used to measure growth and prices afterwards, so an outdated base makes estimates drift from reality. He added that state statistical systems need stronger capacity and closer coordination with the Centre to improve the quality of official statistics.

The correct answer is that they can strengthen official statistics but cannot substitute for quality. Dr. Mishra said artificial intelligence, machine learning, geospatial systems, satellite imagery and advanced analytics offer real opportunities to improve the timeliness, accuracy and usefulness of official statistics, yet technological advance must remain guided by statistical quality, transparency, privacy, security and accountability. He put it plainly, saying speed cannot come at the cost of accuracy and greater use of data cannot come at the cost of confidentiality. Option A overstates his position, since he did not suggest these tools can take the place of established statistical work. Option C is the opposite of what he said, as he welcomed their use. Option D narrows the use to census work, which he never suggested. He also called statistics an instrument of cooperative federalism and said granular data for States, districts and local areas would be needed as the country moves towards 2047.