India hosted the meeting of Heads of National Statistical Offices (NSOs) of BRICS countries in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Notably, the event took place under India’s BRICS Chairship for 2026. Moreover, more than 350 participants attended. Under the BRICS Statistics track, India adopted the theme “Quality Statistics as Driver of Change”.
Who Took Part
The meeting brought together leaders from the NSOs of BRICS members. Also, policymakers, academics and think-tanks took part. Similarly, civil society groups and technical experts joined. Thus, it became a broad platform on official statistics.
Why Quality Statistics Matter
Good data is the base of good policy. For example, governments need accurate data on jobs, prices and growth. Without it, schemes cannot reach the right people. Therefore, the theme stresses that better statistics can drive real change.
BRICS Cooperation on Statistics
BRICS countries have worked together on statistics for years. For instance, they publish a Joint Statistical Publication. Also, they share methods and best practices. As a result, data across members becomes easier to compare.
India’s Statistical Reforms
India is also upgrading its own statistics. For example, it has revised the base years of GDP and inflation data. Similarly, it now releases more frequent labour data. Furthermore, India plans to align with the new UN System of National Accounts (SNA 2025). Hence, hosting this meeting fits India’s reform push.
About MoSPI
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) leads official statistics in India. The National Statistics Office works under it. Notably, India celebrates Statistics Day on 29 June. This day marks the birth anniversary of P C Mahalanobis.
Why BRICS Statistics Matters for UPSC and UKPSC
Notably, both BRICS and data reforms are useful current affairs topics. So, remember the venue, the theme and the host ministry. Also, revise Statistics Day. For official updates, also visit MoSPI. Next, for a related story, read about India’s national accounts base year revision.
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