Strengthening India’s Statistical Framework
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently held a significant meeting aimed at enhancing the role of Statistical Advisers (SAs) across various government ministries. This second round of sensitization and review took place on December 23, 2024, at Kaushal Bhawan in New Delhi. The meeting’s primary goal was to foster greater awareness and collaboration among the Statistical Advisers and representatives from different ministries. This initiative is part of MoSPI’s ongoing efforts to create a robust, data-driven decision-making ecosystem, which began in August 2024.
Importance of Reliable Data in Policy Making
During the meeting, Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, the CEO of NITI Aayog, delivered the inaugural address. He emphasized the critical role that reliable and timely data plays in shaping effective policies and decision-making processes. Subrahmanyam praised MoSPI’s recent reforms aimed at improving the Indian statistical system. These reforms include reducing the timelines for data release and establishing a Data & Innovation lab. He acknowledged the progress made but also pointed out the need for further work, particularly in the area of business statistics.
Subrahmanyam highlighted that statistics form the foundation of every ministry’s work. He urged Statistical Advisers and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officers to leverage their expertise. He encouraged them to focus on enhancing their skills to better utilize the data available to them. This approach is essential for improving decision-making processes across government departments. By addressing challenges such as the integration of administrative datasets and API-based data usage, the government can enhance its statistical capabilities.
MoSPI’s Commitment to Statistical Reform
Dr. Saurabh Garg, the Secretary of MoSPI, spoke about the concrete actions taken by the ministry to reform the statistical landscape in India. He highlighted initiatives such as Research & Analysis for policy insights, the e-Sankhyiki project, and the Data & Innovation framework. Garg stressed the urgent need to leverage data effectively for decision-making. He pointed out that defining the roles of Statistical Advisers is crucial for establishing a consistent link between MoSPI and central ministries.
He also emphasized the importance of data in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047. According to Garg, data will play a vital role in tracking progress towards various targets. He underscored the need for Statistical Advisers to maintain high-quality standards, address data gaps, and promote collaboration among stakeholders. This collaborative approach is essential for ensuring that the statistical system meets the needs of the country.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The meeting included presentations and discussions on various topics of mutual interest. Representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology presented on AI Curation Units and the India AI Datasets Platform. MoSPI officials discussed the institutional readiness for emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning, and big data. They also covered the expansion of the e-Sankhiyiki Portal and the implementation of the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
During these presentations, participants were encouraged to provide feedback on how to improve data sharing and the use of emerging tools. The discussions highlighted the need for a legal and policy framework that facilitates data collection and sharing across different agencies. The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to express their views and suggestions for enhancing the statistical system in India.
The meeting organized by MoSPI marks a significant step towards strengthening India’s statistical framework. By fostering collaboration and enhancing the skills of Statistical Advisers, the government aims to create a more effective and responsive statistical system that can support informed decision-making for the future.
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