Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Computer and ICT technologies, Issue: Significance of India’s data revolution.
Context:
India is undergoing a transformative data revolution led by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). It can lead to building a dynamic, responsive, and user-centric statistical ecosystem to strengthen evidence-based policymaking.
Key Highlights:
Key Components of India’s Data Transformation:
Data Frequency:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) now released within 45–90 days, earlier took 5–6 months.
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP) released within 28 days (previously 42 days).
- Quarterly PLFS expanded to rural areas for better real-time insights.
- Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises is also to be made quarterly.
Data diversity:
- Push for sub-national and district-level data using platforms like Sankhyiki and GoIStats.
- Population data, climate vulnerability, resources, and education is increasingly being leveraged to enable targeted policymaking.
Data Design:
- There is a shift from “data repository” to a user-centric ecosystem with the rise of interactive platforms to provide accessible, real-time dashboards.
Data administration: With improved access to administrative datasets across ministries and departments, there is an emphasis on coherence, machine-readability, and real-time updating.
Benefits of the Data Revolution:
Challenges and Concerns:
Way ahead:
- Institutionalize data governance to ensure standardization, accountability, and audit.
- Continue push for district-level estimates, especially for health, education, and employment.
- Use AI and machine learning for efficient processing of large datasets.
- Improve user interface and public access to government data portals.
- Ensure regular and complete Census data to fill policy gaps.
Conclusion:
India’s data revolution has the potential to reshape policymaking through evidence-based, granular, and real-time inputs. It can become one of India’s most valuable public goods, empowering citizens and strengthen India’s position in global data-driven governance systems.
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