The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) convened the second round of its sensitization-cum-review meeting for Statistical Advisers (SAs) on December 23, 2024, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Moti Bagh, New Delhi. This initiative aims to foster a coordinated and institutionalized approach to strengthening the role of Statistical Advisers across central ministries and departments. Introduced by MoSPI in August 2024, this system seeks to create a robust data-driven decision-making ecosystem. The event was attended by Statistical Advisers and representatives from various ministries and departments of the Government of India.
Keynote Address by Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam
Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the importance of reliable and timely data for effective policymaking, monitoring, and course correction. He commended MoSPI’s recent reforms in the statistical system, such as reducing data release timelines and setting up a Data and Innovation Lab. Highlighting the need for advancements in business statistics, Shri Subrahmanyam urged Statistical Advisers and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officers to focus on skilling themselves to harness administrative datasets effectively. He also advocated for the integration of data through APIs to enhance decision-making capabilities.
Address by Dr. Saurabh Garg
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI, outlined the ministry’s ongoing efforts to reform the statistical system. These include initiatives like the e-Sankhyiki portal and the Data and Innovation Lab. He emphasized the critical role of data in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat @2047, particularly in tracking the progress of various development targets. Dr. Garg highlighted the responsibilities of Statistical Advisers in maintaining data quality, addressing administrative data gaps, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.
Key Discussions and Presentations
The meeting featured presentations and discussions on topics of mutual interest. Highlights included:
- AI Curation Units and the India AI Datasets Platform by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- Institutional Readiness for Emerging Technologies (AI/ML/Big Data) and the expansion of the e-Sankhyiki Portal by MoSPI.
- Updates on the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 and its recent developments.
- Strategies for metadata reporting, data quality reviews, and leveraging new data sources in GDP revisions.
The meeting also explored the coordination of global indices, infrastructure project monitoring, and filling data gaps through innovative tools and methodologies. Ministries and departments were urged to enhance data sharing and adopt legal and policy frameworks for streamlined data collection and accessibility.
Feedback and Way Forward
The event concluded with interactive sessions, where participants shared feedback to improve the national statistical system. The discussions underscored the collective effort required to build a seamless, data-driven ecosystem for policymaking and governance in India.
