World Bank Team Reviews Odisha’s Progress on Statistical Data Reforms Under Resilient Growth Program

Bhubaneswar: A technical mission from the World Bank, led by Thomas Danielewitz, Senior Economist and Team Lead, conducted a two-day review meeting with the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Odisha on April 3rd and 4th, 2025. The meetings were part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen Odisha’s statistical data ecosystem under the World Bank-supported Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Program.

The high-level mission culminated in a wrap-up discussion with Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Odisha, at the Planning and Convergence Department, where the roadmap for future actions was discussed in detail. The meeting was also attended by Dr. B.B. Nanda, Director of Economics and Statistics, and other senior officials of DES.

During the interactions, the World Bank team emphasized the need for adopting the Generic Statistics Business Process Model (GSBPM) across all state statistical processes and products. The implementation of GSBPM will align Odisha’s data systems with international standards, enhancing efficiency, reliability, and usability of official statistics for planning and governance.

Discussions also highlighted the importance of building institutional and human capacity, including exposure visits to leading states and countries known for their robust statistical ecosystems. These knowledge exchanges are expected to empower DES officials with cutting-edge methodologies and technologies.

A central theme of the discussions was the development of the Odisha Integrated Statistical System (OISS) — an ambitious framework aimed at ensuring real-time, coordinated, and accurate data exchange between administrative departments. By strengthening interdepartmental collaboration, the OISS will support more evidence-based decision-making and enable responsive policy interventions.

Development Commissioner Anu Garg lauded the initiatives taken so far and urged officials to fast-track the adoption of modern hardware and software solutions to improve the efficiency of the state’s statistical machinery.

“Adopting the latest technological tools and strengthening data systems is vital to achieving a governance model that is both resilient and responsive. A robust statistical infrastructure will not only aid in better planning but also help in effective monitoring of schemes and services,” she said.

The World Bank’s collaboration with the Odisha government under the State Capability and Resilient Growth Program reflects a shared commitment to institutional reform and innovation in governance. The progress made so far in strengthening data systems is expected to play a critical role in Odisha’s developmental planning, helping the state better prepare for future challenges and opportunities.