Udhayanidhi Stalin Presents Awards for Excellence in Statistical Surveys

Deputy Chief Minister Commends District and State-Level Officials for Data-Driven Special Studies

Chennai : In recognition of exemplary contributions to data-driven governance, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin today presented commendation certificates to statistical officers from across the state and districts who participated in special analytical studies based on official data.

The awards were given during the 19th National Statistics Day celebration, held at the Centenary Railway Hall in Chennai. The event commemorated the birth anniversary of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis, widely regarded as the Father of Indian Statistics.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission and the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation under the “Naan Mudhalvan” scheme, aiming to provide specialized training in statistics and data science for university students pursuing degrees in related fields.

In his address, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasized the growing role of statistics in everyday governance and household decision-making. He noted how, in the past, statistical awareness was low in India, especially when compared to Western nations. However, the situation has changed drastically—today, statistics has become an essential tool not just for governments or institutions but also for ordinary families tracking monthly and annual budgets.

“We are living in an age of Artificial Intelligence. Every effective AI model depends on robust and accurate data. Similarly, a successful government must rely on clear, reliable statistics to formulate and evaluate policies,” said the Deputy Chief Minister.

He praised the Tamil Nadu government’s Dravidian Model of governance for its data-centric approach, highlighting how statistical surveys have helped measure the impact of several flagship programs. For example:

• Attendance growth in the CM’s Breakfast Scheme for school children was identified through data analysis.
• Identification of genuine beneficiaries for the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (Women’s Rights Grant) was achieved through careful statistical review.
• Increases in Gross Enrolment Ratio under schemes like Pudhumai Penn, Tamil Pudhalvan, and Naan Mudhalvan were backed by data.
• Surveys revealed that women earn nearly ₹900 per month under the Vidiyal Payanam scheme.
• Labour data and district-wise development indicators have become vital decision-making tools for the state.

Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasized that statistics serve as the foundation for validating progress under the Dravidian Model. He stressed that Tamil Nadu does not hesitate to publish all data transparently, even when certain results reveal areas for improvement. This openness, he said, distinguishes Tamil Nadu from other states where governments sometimes suppress or ignore inconvenient statistics.

“Our governance is confident in the effectiveness of our schemes. That is why we embrace transparency and data-based accountability. If something isn’t working, we are ready to accept it and fix it,” he stated.

He further noted that statistics is the core decision-making tool for any development-focused administration. Understanding what the data reveals—its trends, its signals—is essential for policy success. He expressed particular satisfaction that 240 participants took part in the recent special statistical survey competition and extended congratulations to all state and district officials recognized.

The Deputy Chief Minister concluded by stating that statistics is a powerful engine for social progress, and he congratulated all high-ranking officials, staff, researchers, and students contributing to Tamil Nadu’s statistical development using modern research methods and advanced technologies.

Dignitaries Present:

• Thiru S. Jayaraman, Director (Operations), State Planning Commission
• Thiru Rakesh Ranjan Mishra, IAS, Additional Secretary (Planning & Development)
• Thirumathi R. Jaya, IAS, Principal Secretary/Commissioner of Evaluation & Statistics
• Thiru Kranthi Kumar Pati, IAS, Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation
• Senior officials and departmental heads from the Tamil Nadu Government

Issued by:
Director, Information & Public Relations Department, Chennai – 9