The Centre has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with four more states to strengthen state statistical systems by providing adequate technical and financial support. These states include Jharkhand, Mizoram, Sikkim and Lakshadweep.

The agreement has been signed under the Indian Statistical Strengthening Project, ISSP, for the states in the presence of Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Srikant Jena in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, he said, the ISSP is necessary for collecting and disseminating reliable official statistics to meeting the increasing data requirements for policy and programme formulation and implementation at the state level.

Mr. Jena said, the ISSP has also aimed to improve the management and coordination of statistical activities, conducting surveys and studies and improving statistical operations in the country.