The Directorate of Economics & Statistics, J&K has grown out of the nucleus of a “Statistical Section” consisting of one Research Officer, One Research Superintendent and two Senior Assistants in the Planning Department. The first expansion took place in 1957 when a Survey Section consisting of one Statistician, one Statistical Assistant and four Field Investigators was set up. This was followed, a little latter, by creation of a few more posts and designating the unit as “Statistical Bureau” with the staff strength of twenty officials.

The Directorate of Economics & Statistics, as it is now, was set up in 1967-68 and since then Organization has grown both vertically and horizontally. The Directorate of Economics & Statistics has two Regional Directorates in Kashmir Division and Jammu Division. In addition there are two Statistical Training Schools one each in Jammu Province and Kashmir Province. At district level, the District Statistics & Evaluation Offices are headed by Deputy Director level Officers whereas Chief Planning Offices are headed by the Joint Director/Dy. Director level officers. At the block level there is a Planning/Statistical Unit consisting of one Statistical Officer, one Junior Statistical Assistant and one Junior Assistant which is presently located in Block Development Offices.

The main functions of Directorate of Economics and Statistics of Planning and monitoring Department is to compute State Income (GSDP), per capita income of the State, publication of various reports (Digest of Statistics, Union Territory at a Glance etc) and bulletins (Price and Vital). Collection, compilation and Analysis of data emanating from various departments, conducting of Sample Surveys, Evaluation Studies, Monitoring of Projects, 100 % Physical Verification and Programmes are among the main functions of the Statistical/Planning Staff.

The Economics and Statistics Cadre has Planning/Statistical Units in all important departments in the Civil Secretariat, Heads of Departments, Provincial and District level offices and in some cases even at block/tehsil level offices. These Planning and Statistical units are headed by Joint Directors/Deputy Directors/Assistant Directors/Statistical Officers. The Cadre Personnel are charged with preparation/co-ordination of the district and departmental plans. The Department is catering to the entire statistical and planning requirements of the state.