Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUNE 29
EVEN as Nagaland is said to be an agrarian State, Services Sector contributes more than 50% to the Gross State Domestic Produce (GSDP) while agriculture contributes barely 30%.
This was revealed by Dr. N Marina Solo, Head of Department of Commerce, Nagaland University, Kohima Campus, Meriema during the observation of 8th National Statistics Day organised by department of Economics and Statistics under the theme “Service Sector Statistics” here today.
as the theme speaker Dr Solo, who was the theme speaker, said service sector contributes maximum to the State’s GSDP with 58.53% in 1999-2000 while contribution from agriculture sector is barely 30% while industrial sector stands below 20%.
Lamenting the poor transportation facilities in the State, she underlined the need for the government to take the challenge of improving the roads and transport facilities in the State to help improve development of other sectors.
She also opined that since agriculture and industrial sectors are not very feasible for the State, the stress should also be given to improving the tourism sector.
Parliamentary Secretary for Economics and Statistics R Tohanba maintained that improvement in the statistical system would definitely ensure realistic socio-economic planning and policy formulation for achieving faster, sustainable and progressive growth.
Speaking as the chief guest during the observance, Tohanba stressed the need for strengthening the statistical system in the state in line with the emerging challenges.
“Statistics influences all major decisions we take, whether it is big or small,” he said. He added that as the society progresses with the developmental activities transforming the traditional society into a knowledge society, the role of statistics becomes important and indispensable.
In such a situation, he said, “Credibility, reliability and transparency in our statistical system are very important.”
Tohanba also stressed the need for capacitating the staff engaged in producing official statistics for greater effectiveness and efficiency. “The staff must be empowered to utilize modern method of collection of data for good policy and decision making,” he added.
The Parliamentary Secretary said the statistical data provided by the department should help improve the level of confidence of the stakeholders, society and the government as the department is responsible for providing accurate and reliable data.
He also urged the officers and staff of the department to make concerted and focused efforts throughout the year to fill the data gaps and provide quality data on time.
“These reliable data will be used in planning, implementation, monitoring and redesigning of various developmental programmes in the State,” he said.
National Statistics Day is observed on June 29 every year to commemorate the birthday of late Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalonobis for his immense contributions in the field of economic planning and statistics. Secretary, DES, Kevileno Angami, chairing the programme, also delivered the welcome address while Director, DES, Y. Sacheo Ovung, tendered the vote of thanks.
Statistical Officer, DES, Esther Janger, entertained the gathering with a special number.
