Shillong: Field Operations Division (FOD) of National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation conducts nationwide sample surveys on various aspects of Socio-Economic, Industrial and Agricultural Statistics etc. since its inception in 1950. The 81st Round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) will commence from July 2026to June 2027 across the country.
The NSS 81st Round will cover the Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households (SASH),All-India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and Migration Survey. These surveys aim to generate key indicators on land and livestock holdings, income, productive assets, indebtedness, farming practices, and access to agricultural technologies. Detailed information on farm and non-farm income sources, expenditure, assets, capital formation, and household debt will be collected. In addition, the Migration Survey will focus on capturing detailed information on migration patterns, including the characteristics and extent of out-migration from households. The findings from these surveys will provide valuable insights into the socio-economic conditions of households and serve as an essential evidence base for informed policy formulation and development planning.
To strengthen capacity building and ensure high-quality data collection, the National Statistical Office (Field Operations Division), Regional Office Shillong, is organizing a four-day Regional Training Camp for field officials from 8–10 June 2026at its Conference Hall, followed by field training on 11th June 2026. The programme is also being attended by officers and representatives from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Meghalaya, fostering greater coordination and collaboration in statistical activities.
Addressing the inaugural session, Marvin L. S. F. Marwein, Joint Director at the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Meghalaya, underscored the critical role of National Sample Survey (NSS) data as a cornerstone for informed governance. He noted that NSS findings provide essential inputs for government planning, policy formulation, budgeting, and evidence-based decision-making at both state and national levels.He also highlighted a distinctive socio-economic feature of Meghalaya that a significant proportion of land in the state is owned by women—a rare and noteworthy characteristic. Marwein also emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of data quality, stressing that accuracy and reliability are fundamental to the effectiveness of policy decisions and developmental initiatives.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Orenthung Patton, Deputy Director, Regional Office, Shillong. In his address, he underscored the importance of accurate and reliable data collection through the use of digital tablets, highlighting their role in enhancing efficiency and minimizing errors in field operations. He elaborated on the significance of the ongoing surveys—Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households (SASH), All-India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS), and the Migration Survey—which provide critical insights into the socio-economic conditions of agricultural households, patterns of indebtedness and asset ownership, as well as the dynamics and drivers of migration. He emphasized that the data generated from these surveys are vital for designing targeted welfare programmes, evaluating the impact of existing policies, and formulating informed interventions aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development.
Encouraging active engagement, he urged participants to take full advantage of the training, clarify their doubts, and prepare themselves to enter the field as dedicated “data warriors.” He also called upon the public to extend their cooperation by providing accurate information, which is essential for producing reliable statistical estimates for Meghalaya and the nation as a whole.
