MoSPI and IIMA Forge Data Innovation Partnership
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) to host a workshop titled “Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy.” This collaboration aims to enhance India’s national data ecosystem and promote evidence-based policymaking. The event featured prominent speakers and discussions focused on leveraging public data and technology to tackle pressing policy challenges.
Workshop Highlights and Key Speakers
The workshop attracted a diverse group of participants, including Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI and Head of the National Statistical Office (NSO), Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director of IIMA, and Sh. P.R. Meshram, Director General of MoSPI. Senior officials from the Ministry, faculty members, students, and representatives from leading academic and research institutions also attended. The discussions centered on the potential of public data and emerging technologies to address various policy challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between academia and government.
During the event, Prof. Bharat Bhaskar underscored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping policy decisions. He cautioned, however, about the risks of biases stemming from historical data patterns. “While AI can significantly enhance decision-making, it is essential to establish safeguards to ensure fairness and accuracy. Collaboration should be focused on maximizing benefits for public good,” he stated, highlighting the need for responsible AI implementation in policymaking.
MoSPI’s Vision for Data Integration
Dr. Saurabh Garg provided insights into MoSPI’s functions, including its various surveys and macroeconomic indicators. He noted that the extensive administrative data available in India presents a unique opportunity for integration with alternative datasets. “As the custodian of decades-old datasets, MoSPI must rejuvenate legacy data using emerging technologies to make it AI-ready. Institutions like IIMA can play a pivotal role in this endeavor,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of modernizing data practices to meet the growing expectations of data users.
Memorandum of Understanding and Future Collaborations
A significant outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIMA. This agreement establishes a framework for collaborative efforts in data innovation, ensuring that academic research effectively contributes to policy development. Prior to the main event, a focused session with IIMA faculty explored ways to leverage the expertise of both institutions to enhance data-driven policy support. The discussions highlighted the necessity of an institutional framework for sustained collaboration between NSO India and IIMA, aiming to build human capital to advance these initiatives.
Commitment to Evidence-Based Policymaking
The workshop reaffirmed the critical role of integrating public data with advanced technology to foster evidence-based policymaking. By engaging with academic institutions, MoSPI aims to harness research-driven insights and technological advancements to strengthen India’s statistical ecosystem. This collaboration represents a significant step toward creating a robust, data-driven policy environment, reinforcing MoSPI’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity within the national statistical system.
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