National Workshop on Alternate Data and Frontier Technologies for Policy Making to Boost India’s Statistical Systems
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, is set to organize a two-day National Workshop on Using Alternate Data Sources and Frontier Technologies for Policy Making on June 5-6, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event is being conducted in collaboration with NITI Aayog and with the World Bank as a knowledge partner.
This workshop arrives at a critical juncture as the importance of alternate data sources—including mobile phone data, scanner data, and geospatial data—has grown exponentially in recent years. These data types offer new avenues to strengthen evidence-based policymaking by supplementing conventional statistics. Simultaneously, frontier technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) have seen tremendous growth, presenting fresh opportunities for transforming the way policies are formulated and monitored.
The primary objective of the workshop is to enhance the understanding of stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and international organizations about the potential of these innovative data sources and technologies. By doing so, it aims to improve the statistical ecosystem of India and facilitate timely, data-driven policy decisions.
The event will begin on June 5 with an inaugural session featuring eminent dignitaries such as Shri Suman K Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, who will be the chief guest. Other key speakers include Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Representatives from the UK Office of National Statistics, National Science and Technology Management Information System (NSTMIS), and the World Bank will also participate.
Following the inauguration, four parallel technical sessions will focus on specific topics that showcase the practical applications of alternate data and AI technologies:
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AI & Data Science for Official Statistics
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Mobile Phone Data for Tourism Statistics
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Geospatial Data for Sampling, Ocean Accounting, and Data Dissemination
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Scanner Data for Consumer Price Index (CPI) Compilation
These sessions will include presentations and panel discussions led by domain experts from NITI Aayog, MoSPI, various ministries, state governments, and international organizations. The interactive nature of the sessions is expected to foster a deeper understanding of the systems and frameworks needed to institutionalize the use of alternate data sources in policymaking.
On June 6, the workshop will conclude with a valedictory session summarizing the key insights and takeaways from the technical discussions. The goal is to chart a roadmap for integrating alternate data sources and frontier technologies into India’s official statistical systems, thereby modernizing and enriching the country’s data landscape.
The event will witness participation from approximately 450 delegates, including representatives from central and state governments, academic institutions, think tanks, private sector entities, international bodies, and policy experts, making it a broad platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
This initiative signals India’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge data and technology solutions to strengthen governance and policymaking, ensuring that the country stays ahead in the era of data-driven decision making.
