National Workshop Promotes Data Harmonization for Better Governance
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) held a National Level Consultative Workshop on February 24, 2026, in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing governance through the use of administrative data. This initiative is part of the preparatory process for the upcoming National-Level Deliberative Summit titled ‘Data for Development,’ which will take place in April 2026.
The summit aims to strengthen administrative data systems and promote responsible data harmonization across State and Union Territory (UT) departments. The recent workshop provided an opportunity for States, UTs, and Central Ministries to discuss the importance of integrating and utilizing data for effective governance.
Key Discussions on Data Accessibility and Integration
Participants included senior officials from various government departments and international experts, who engaged in discussions about the significance of breaking down data silos. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of improving data accessibility for State and district administrators. He advocated for enhanced machine readability and real-time analytics to support better monitoring and implementation of government policies.
Debjani Ghosh, a Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog, spoke about the shift towards an ‘era of intelligence,’ where actionable data insights are crucial for informed decision-making at all levels. She highlighted the need for accessibility, interoperability, and trustworthiness in data to democratize intelligence and empower grassroots decision-making.
Additionally, World Bank Senior Economist Thomas Danielwitz noted that integrating decentralized digital datasets is vital for reducing compliance burdens on citizens and improving overall efficiency. Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, called for a concerted effort to make civil servants more engaged with data rather than having it stored away without use.
Building a Data-Driven Future
Shri P. R. Meshram, Director General (Data Governance) at MoSPI, reiterated that administrative data should be viewed as a strategic national asset. Throughout the workshop, discussions were centered around the need for a harmonized and interoperable data ecosystem that prioritizes secure links between datasets.
The day-long workshop included four thematic sessions where panelists from various institutions and states shared insights on the effective use of routine administrative data for policy formulation. Challenges such as data quality and integration were thoroughly discussed, alongside the necessary frameworks for operationalizing data linkages while adhering to legal and governance standards.
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