Uttarakhand government is moving rapidly towards making the administrative system more effective, transparent and result based. In this series, in the workshop organized on 'Data Harmonization-Building Data Linked Governance System' in Dehradun on Monday, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan clearly said that in today's era, governments are evaluated not only by their policies or intentions, but by the results visible on the ground. Accurate assessment of these outcomes is not possible without quality and coordinated data.

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Held at a hotel on Chakrata Road, the workshop was organized by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and CPPGG, Planning Department. It was attended by experts from the Central Government, NITI Aayog, World Bank and reputed educational institutions.

Data will become a strong base for the challenges of Uttarakhand

Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan said that Uttarakhand's geographical conditions, disaster sensitivity, migration and environmental challenges are different from other states. In such a situation, there is a need for data based forecasting and planning instead of just reacting to events.

He said that modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can give a new direction to data coordination. However, effective use of these technologies is possible only when data quality, privacy and security are ensured. He also instructed all departments to pay special attention to their capacity development by identifying officers involved in statistical work as nodal officers.

NITI Aayog and Central Government appreciated the initiative

Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, who was the chief guest in the workshop, appreciated the initiative of Uttarakhand. He said that after the workshop organized at the national level, Uttarakhand is leading among the states that have started working seriously on data harmonisation. This reflects the state's commitment towards evidence-based policy making and better administrative decisions.

Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor, NITI Aayog, said that mere collection of data is not enough, but its correct analysis and interpretation is equally important. He assured to provide technical support to the state government.

Three technical sessions were organized during the workshop, in which experts discussed various aspects related to data management, policy making and digital governance. In the concluding session, the outline of the upcoming action plan of the state was also presented.