Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P.K. Mishra highlighted the importance of converting India’s fragmented administrative data systems into a strategic national asset. Mishra, speaking at the 20th Statistics Day event, emphasized that integrating government datasets better could enhance governance, policymaking, and service delivery while ensuring privacy and security.
India’s rapid digital transformation has resulted in the generation of vast amounts of administrative data from various government programs and public service mechanisms. Despite the wealth of information available, much of it remains isolated within different ministries and departments, limiting its effective utilization.
Mishra stressed the need for administrative data to be viewed as a valuable national resource rather than a byproduct of routine processes. He suggested that this data could bridge critical gaps, enhance policy design, and improve the targeting of government initiatives for more effective governance.
Integrated data systems were highlighted as beneficial for improving program implementation and the efficient delivery of public services. However, Mishra cautioned that initiatives promoting data sharing and interoperability should not compromise citizens’ trust and privacy.
Efforts to expand data integration across government agencies must prioritize maintaining privacy, security, and confidentiality. Mishra emphasized the importance of principles like privacy by design and adherence to legal frameworks in enhancing data interoperability without compromising data security.
Mishra also connected the development of trusted and interoperable data systems to India’s aspirations in artificial intelligence, emphasizing that reliable datasets are essential for the responsible and effective adoption of AI in governance and public administration.
