MoSPI and IIM Ahmedabad Collaborate to Strengthen Data-Driven Policy Making

Ahmedabad: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), hosted a workshop on “Emerging Trends in Public Data and Technology for Research and Policy” at the IIM Ahmedabad campus. This initiative is part of MoSPI’s ongoing efforts to enhance India’s data ecosystem and promote evidence-based policymaking.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI & Head NSO; Prof. Bharat Bhaskar, Director, IIMA; P.R. Meshram, Director General, MoSPI; senior government officials; faculty members; students; and representatives from premier academic and research institutions. Discussions focused on harnessing public data, leveraging emerging technologies, and fostering academic collaborations to address policy challenges.

Prof. Bharat Bhaskar highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping policy decisions. However, he cautioned against biases embedded in historical data, emphasizing the need for safeguards to ensure fairness and accuracy. “AI can significantly improve decision-making, but it must be used responsibly to maximize benefits for the public good,” he stated.

Dr. Saurabh Garg provided insights into MoSPI’s functions, including its macroeconomic surveys and data collection initiatives. He underscored the vast potential of administrative data integration with alternative datasets to meet evolving user expectations. “As the custodian of decades-old datasets, MoSPI must rejuvenate legacy data using emerging technologies to make it AI-ready. Institutions like IIMA can play a crucial role in this transformation,” he remarked.

A significant outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIMA. This agreement establishes a framework for joint initiatives in data innovation, ensuring that academic research contributes effectively to policy development. Earlier in the day, a focused session with IIMA faculty explored avenues for leveraging the expertise of both institutions to enhance data-driven policymaking. The discussions emphasized the need for an institutional framework to sustain collaboration between NSO India and IIMA, as well as the development of skilled professionals to drive these initiatives forward.

The workshop reinforced the importance of integrating public data with advanced technologies to drive policy efficiency. By engaging with academic institutions, MoSPI aims to harness research-driven insights and technological advancements to strengthen India’s statistical ecosystem. This collaboration marks a major step toward building a data-driven policy environment, reaffirming MoSPI’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity in the national statistical system.