In the fire side chat with Shri G. Padmanabhan, former ED, RBI, Secretary, MoSPI, highlighted the ministry's focused efforts to harmonize administrative datasets across Ministries/Departments and the state governments to ensure that datasets become interoperable, machine-readable, and AI-ready. This process inter alia involves establishing standardized metadata structures, implementing rigorous quality assessments, and adherence to standard classification systems that enable seamless data comparison and interoperability across different agencies.

A key part of the discussion focused on finding the right balance between making data widely available as a public good and protecting individual privacy. Secretary, MoSPI, mentioned that in practice, there should be three-tier data access systems, like the one outlined in the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), to manage data sharing in a way that promotes accessibility while safeguarding privacy. First is Datasets which can be made available for Open Access, second, registered access requiring user identification for traceability, and third restricted access for sensitive information provided only to authorized agencies with proper safeguards.

In response to a specific question about data as a public good and related privacy concerns, it was emphasized that while data is made available to support innovation and economic growth, individual privacy, particularly in government datasets such as those from NSS surveys is safeguarded through the use of anonymization techniques.

During the discussion, it was shared that MoSPI has made significant improvements in the timeliness, quality and frequency of data collected through flagship NSS surveys. The Ministry is now making estimates of labour market indicators available at a monthly frequency, marking a notable step forward in providing more timely and relevant information for policy and economic decision-making. As part of the efforts to enhance the timeliness and quality of data, the ministry has digitized survey operations by equipping field enumerators with tablets, allowing real-time data transmission and reducing delays. This digital approach also includes built-in validation checks to improve accuracy. On the data dissemination front, the newly launched e-Sankhyiki portal represents a major leap forward, serving as a centralized hub that will eventually house data from multiple ministries through API integration, complemented by upgraded microdata portals and mobile applications for wider accessibility of official data.

The conversation concluded with a discussion on AI as a public good, where Secretary, MoSPI, outlined the government's vision to democratize Artificial Intelligence resources to ensure equitable access for all citizens.

After the fireside chat, a Closed Room Session titled Statistical Infrastructure for a Digital India: Building a Smarter Data Partnership with the Fintech Ecosystem; was organised with industry representatives.  The interaction explored data partnerships with Fintechs to promote innovation and enhance the national statistical system by leveraging privately held data through collaboration.  Discussions covered a wide range of topics including single view of data for better data accessibility, data gaps which needs to be filled to facilitate Fintech innovation and ways and means to reduce information asymmetry. The participants appreciated the initiative of the government and expressed interest in having more such interactions in the future.

The discussions at the event underscored the government’s strong commitment to transforming the statistical system and make it future ready and to build a more robust, accessible, and responsive ecosystem that supports the vision of a Viksit Bharat and meets the needs of policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike.

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Samrat / Allen / Murli

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