NESAC organized a one-week training programme on “Applications of Geospatial Technology in Surveying, Monitoring and Programme Implementation” during 08–12 September 2025 for 27 probationers of the 46th batch of the Indian Statistical Service (ISS). The programme was sponsored by the National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India.
The course commenced with an inaugural session on 8 September 2025, where Dr. Chandan Goswami, Scientist/Engineer-SF, Agriculture and Soil Division (ASD), and Course Director, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the course schedule. Dr. S.P. Aggarwal, Director, NESAC, addressed the participants as the Chief Guest and highlighted the relevance of geospatial technology in strengthening statistical systems and programme implementation. Over the course of the week, the participants engaged in 12 hours of theory classes and around 10 hours of hands-on practical sessions, along with project-based exercises. Two invited expert lectures were delivered on specialized themes: “Smart Sampling using Geospatial Technology” by Dr. Prachi Misra Sahoo, Principal Scientist, IASRI, New Delhi, and “Geospatial Technology in Environmental Studies” by Dr. Shukla Acharjee, Assistant Professor, Dibrugarh University. The training schedule also included modules on pre-assessment and post-assessment evaluation, a NESAC facility visit, and group project work, where the participants were divided into four groups to undertake and present projects on applied geospatial themes.
The programme concluded on 12 September with a valedictory session chaired by Dr. S. P. Aggarwal, Director, NESAC during which certificates were distributed to the participants. The course summary was presented by Dr. Chandan Goswami, Course Director and the programme ended with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Francis Dutta, Course Officer.