New Delhi, August 15(HS): The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) orchestrated a landmark Sensitization cum Review Meeting of Statistical Advisers on Thursday (August 14), at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a pivotal stride towards a futuristic, data-empowered governance framework in India.

The conclave brought together a distinguished panel of visionaries including Shri Adil Zainulbhai, Ex-Chairman, Capacity Building Commission; B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog; S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY; Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor; and Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI, along with senior officials and Statistical Advisers from various Ministries.

In an inspiring keynote, Adil Zainulbhai lauded MoSPI’s efforts to embed modern statistical methodologies with international rigor, emphasizing the transformation of India’s data ecosystem into a global gold standard. He spotlighted avant-garde initiatives like the National Metadata Structure and the e-Sankhyiki portal, calling for a swift transition to a paperless, real-time, AI-integrated statistical system.

B.V.R. Subrahmanyam underscored the indispensability of seamlessly integrated data systems, praising the monthly release of Periodic Labour Force Survey data as a boon for nuanced policy-making. He championed the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and AI to elevate data utilization across ministries.

S. Krishnan highlighted the growing significance of secure, interoperable data platforms—powered by AI and cloud technologies—while balancing the imperatives of privacy and accessibility in India’s digital economy.

Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran accentuated MoSPI’s global reputation for statistical excellence, urging timely, credible, and user-friendly data production to enrich evidence-based policymaking. He encouraged Statistical Advisers to broaden their data horizons beyond traditional government sources.

Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg articulated MoSPI’s modernization agenda centered on strengthening the National Statistical System through sustained innovation and collaborative synergy. He detailed plans to unify critical datasets across Ministries by 2025–26 via the e-Sankhyiki portal, reiterating the vital role of Statistical Advisers as strategic partners in India's development vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.

Technical sessions delved into data standardization, SDG monitoring, industrial statistics enhancement, and infrastructure performance assessments, with fervent discussions on leveraging AI, machine learning, and big data to bridge existing data gaps and foster cohesive data-sharing frameworks.

The event concluded with a spirited wrap-up and interactive Q&A, reaffirming MoSPI’s resolute commitment to crafting a world-class, innovative, and resilient national statistical architecture that underpins India’s growth narrative.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar