For ‘Viksit Bharat,’ evidence-based governance ensures that every aspect of nation-building—be it in infrastructure, healthcare, education, or employment—is tackled with precision and effectiveness.
Data democratization and evidence-based governance are fundamental pillars in the journey toward a developed nation, especially in the context of ‘Viksit Bharat’—a vision of a prosperous and self-reliant India. The concept of data democratization refers to making data accessible, transparent, and usable for all stakeholders, from policymakers to citizens, empowering them to make informed decisions. Evidence-based governance involves shaping policies and decisions backed by data and concrete evidence rather than assumptions or conjecture. Together, these principles can propel India toward its goal of becoming a developed nation by fostering efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in governance.
India’s Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has recently achieved a remarkable milestone with its flagship platform, eSankhyiki. Launched in June 2024, eSankhyiki has swiftly amassed 134 million records within just seven months. This achievement not only underscores India’s leadership in advancing statistical practices but also highlights its dedication to data-driven policymaking, which is becoming increasingly vital in today’s fast-paced, information-centric world.
Comprehensive and User-Friendly Data Repository
eSankhyiki is a significant step towards making statistical data more accessible, transparent, and usable for various stakeholders. The platform offers a comprehensive and dynamic repository of time-series data across multiple sectors, including National Accounts Statistics (NAS), Price Statistics, NSS Surveys, Economic Census, and Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The open-source tools and in-house expertise behind eSankhyiki ensure that it remains an inclusive platform, enabling users ranging from researchers and policymakers to businesses and citizens to access, filter, visualize, and export data in a user-friendly format. With features such as APIs and interactive dashboards, eSankhyiki aligns with the principle of treating data as a public good, reinforcing the idea that reliable data should be accessible to all for informed decision-making and policy development.
India’s Global Commitment to Statistical Excellence
This initiative is not just a national triumph; it aligns with India’s broader role on the global stage. As a member of the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC), India’s commitment to statistical excellence is clear. eSankhyiki adheres to international standards for data dissemination, fostering global collaboration through transparent and high-quality statistical practices. By making data more accessible and empowering decision-makers with real-time insights, India is enhancing governance capabilities both domestically and internationally. This is especially critical as nations worldwide are increasingly turning to data as a fundamental tool for governance and sustainable development.
Future Plans for eSankhyiki: Expanding Data Access and User Experience
Looking ahead, MoSPI’s plans to enhance eSankhyiki further demonstrate its long-term vision for data democratization. With the introduction of AI-powered search capabilities, personalized dashboards, and advanced interactive infographics, the platform is set to redefine how data is accessed and utilized. These upcoming features will provide users with deeper insights and more customized experiences, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in statistical transparency and innovation. As the platform continues to grow, it promises to play a crucial role in shaping evidence-based policies that drive sustainable development and global cooperation.
The Role of Data Democratization in Development
Data democratization plays a crucial role in empowering various sectors of society, driving social, economic, and political development. By making statistical data and information accessible to all, including marginalized groups and local communities, it ensures that every individual has equal access to the tools needed for progress. This is particularly significant for small businesses, farmers, and local entrepreneurs, who can leverage data to improve productivity, market reach, and decision-making. Furthermore, open data helps to identify regional disparities and enables targeted interventions for areas lagging behind in development, thereby promoting balanced growth across the nation.
In the context of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ data democratization ensures that the benefits of India’s growth reach all sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. It allows the government to design policies that are more relevant, inclusive, and impactful, focusing on sectors that require the most attention and resources. With accessible data, policymakers can track the progress of ongoing initiatives, measure the effectiveness of policies, and adapt to emerging needs.
Evidence-Based Governance: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
Evidence-based governance ensures that policies and decisions are grounded in data, research, and real-world evidence. This approach leads to more effective and sustainable solutions to complex problems. For a country like India, where rapid growth and diversification require continuous adaptation and innovation, making decisions based on evidence allows the government to prioritize actions that will have the greatest impact on development.
Through evidence-based governance, the government can accurately assess the outcomes of various policies and programs, refining them based on real data and feedback. This creates a culture of accountability, where leaders are held responsible for their decisions and the results they deliver. In turn, this strengthens trust in government institutions and ensures that policies are not based on assumptions but on real, verifiable facts.
For ‘Viksit Bharat,’ evidence-based governance ensures that every aspect of nation-building—be it in infrastructure, healthcare, education, or employment—is tackled with precision and effectiveness. The government’s ability to implement well-researched policies based on real-time data fosters trust among citizens, encouraging greater public participation and collaboration in national development.
Unlocking the Potential of India through Data-Driven Policies
In a fast-evolving world, where technological advancements are reshaping industries, economies, and societies, data-driven policies are more important than ever. By leveraging data to inform decisions, India can build a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable economy. Data also provides valuable insights into global trends, helping India align its growth trajectory with international best practices and standards.
For ‘Viksit Bharat,’ data serves as a roadmap for progress. From understanding how to optimize resource allocation to identifying new areas of growth and investment, evidence-based governance powered by data allows India to make informed, future-ready decisions. For instance, analyzing agricultural data can lead to better policies that increase yield and profitability for farmers, while analyzing healthcare data can enhance access to quality care for underserved populations.
Creating a Culture of Innovation and Transparency
Data democratization fosters a culture of transparency, allowing citizens to hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions. By making data available, India can foster trust among its population, encouraging greater participation in governance. Furthermore, data-driven policies promote innovation across industries by providing businesses with the tools to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions.
In the ‘Viksit Bharat’ context, data not only helps in tackling the immediate challenges but also prepares the nation for the future. By making data accessible to entrepreneurs and innovators, it encourages the creation of new technologies, products, and services that can propel the country towards a more advanced and self-reliant economy.
The Path to a ‘Viksit Bharat’
eSankhyiki is more than just a data repository; it is a testament to India’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and sustainable development. As the platform expands and evolves, it will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s progress toward becoming a data-driven economy, setting an example for others to follow in the quest for open data and evidence-based governance.
Data democratization and evidence-based governance are integral to India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. By ensuring that data is accessible, transparent, and used effectively in decision-making, India can create an environment where growth is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful. As part of the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ these principles will help build a nation that is not only economically strong but also socially just, transparent, and forward-thinking. By empowering citizens, businesses, and policymakers with the tools and knowledge they need, India can realize its full potential and set a global example for data-driven governance and sustainable development.
