MoF issues Gazette Notification for ₹125 Coin on P C Mahalonobis

The Ministry of Finance has officially issued the gazette notification announcing the release of commemorative coins of ₹125 and ₹5 to mark the 125th Birth Anniversary of the eminent statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. These coins are dated June 28, 2018, aligning with the nationwide observance of his remarkable contributions to the field of statistics.

The Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, is scheduled to release the commemorative coins on the occasion of Statistics Day on Friday, June 29, 2018. According to an official statement, the Vice President will unveil these coins as a tribute to the extraordinary legacy of P.C. Mahalanobis—widely regarded as the architect of modern statistical systems in India and the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute.

In 2007, the Government of India designated June 29 as Statistics Day to be celebrated annually at the national level. The day is observed to raise awareness about the indispensable role of statistics in socio-economic development and evidence-based policy-making, while also honoring the life and work of P.C. Mahalanobis, whose analytical methods and statistical vision continue to influence India’s planning framework.

The metal composition of the ₹125 coin will consist of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. The coin will weigh 35 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. While, the ₹5 coin will consist of Nickel Brass weighing 6 grams and have a diameter of 23 mm, featuring 100 serrations along the edge. The coin's description is as follows.

Obverse: The face of both the coins shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the center with the legend "सत्यमेव जयते" inscribed below, flanked on the left periphery with the word “भारत” in Devanagari script and on the right periphery with the word “INDIA” in English. It shall also bear the Rupee symbol “₹” and denominational value in the international numerals below the Lion Capitol.

Reverse: This face of both the coins shall bear the portrait of “Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis” in the Centre with the inscription “125 वीं जयंती” and “प्रशांत चंद्र महालनोबिस” on upper left and upper right periphery of the coin in Devanagari script. The inscription “125 Birth Anniversary” and “Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis” shall be on the lower left and lower right periphery of the coin respectively. The year 1893-1972 in international numerals shall be written below the portrait and the symbol of “Indian Statistical Institute” shall be inscribed below the year 1893-1972.

The theme for Statistics Day this year is ‘Quality Assurance in Official Statistics’, reflecting the growing need for robust and reliable data in governance and national progress. Both the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation and the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) will jointly conduct an event in Kolkata on June 29 to commemorate the occasion. This holds special significance as ISI, founded by Mahalanobis in 1931, remains a premier institution for statistical research and training.

It is noteworthy that earlier in April, this blog had highlighted the possibility of a commemorative coin being issued in honor of P.C. Mahalanobis. With the gazette notification now released and the official launch scheduled, the anticipation has culminated in a fitting tribute to one of India’s greatest statistical pioneers. The possibility and upcoming coins page have been updated for your reference.