Odisha is making waves in India’s data landscape by leading a major statistical reform initiative backed by the World Bank. This effort is part of the state’s broader mission to build stronger governance and drive resilient growth under the “Strengthening State Statistical System” program.
A recent high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar, led by Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg brought together top officials and World Bank representatives to review progress and chart the path forward. The goal? To make Odisha a national leader in evidence-based decision-making.
🚀 Key Milestones and Innovations
- Global Standards Adoption: Odisha is the first Indian state to implement the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), aligning its data practices with international norms.
- Centralized Data Access: Through the National Data Archive (NADA), the state has created a one-stop catalog for researchers, policymakers, and citizens to access key datasets.
- Smarter Data Collection: Odisha has introduced Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) software to improve the accuracy and efficiency of price statistics surveys.
🔧 What’s Next?
- Digital Overhaul: The Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DE&S) will be modernised to ensure faster and more transparent data reporting.
- New Research Division: A Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD) will be launched to conduct scientifically rigorous household surveys.
- District-Level Planning: Enhanced methods for estimating District Domestic Product (DDP) will support better local planning.
- Cross-Department Upgrades: Statistical systems in departments like Energy, Tourism, and Housing will be assessed and strengthened.
- Global Training: DE&S officials will receive international training to bring global best practices to Odisha.
Smt. Garg summed it up perfectly: “Data should not just be numbers but narratives that guide governance and development.”
With these bold steps, Odisha is setting a new standard for how data can drive meaningful change across government and society.
