September 19, 2025

Odisha is ready to rewrite its data story, and guess who's helping? The World Bank! In a high-energy meeting at Bhubaneswar, top officials gathered to launch a game-changing project named ‘Strengthening the State Statistical System under Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth.’ Leading the charge was Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, who made it clear: "Odisha is committed to transforming data into a tool for transformation." This isn’t just tech talk; it’s a bold plan linked to Odisha’s grand visions for 2036 and 2047 — to build a Viksit Odisha where smart governance is powered by solid evidence. What makes Odisha shine bright? It's the first state in India to adopt the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), a fancy but crucial framework that aligns its stats work with international quality standards. Imagine having a super organized data library! That’s what the National Data Archive (NADA) offers—keeping data neat, easy to access, and ready for deep dives by anyone from researchers to policymakers. That’s not all. Odisha is also a pioneer in using high-tech Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews for pricing surveys, ensuring fresh, accurate data rolls in smoothly. A new Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD) will soon start within the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DE&S) to create independent and smart household surveys. Local focus is the flavor, too! The state plans to speed up District Domestic Product (DDP) estimates by hiring top experts and pumping up DE&S’s skills. This means better, sharper policies right where people live and work. Digital magic will revamp how stats are produced and shared, making updates faster and showing results sooner with crystal-clear transparency. But it’s not just about one office—Odisha will boost the statistical systems in all departments. First up: reviews in Energy, Tourism, and Housing and Urban Development Departments to spot ways to get even better. Plus, a team will train internationally and come back as champions, sparking upgrades across the board. In the end, Odisha’s message is loud and clear: data must be easy to find, understand, and use. Anu Garg stressed, "The State is committed to demystifying data by making it more accessible, understandable, and useful for evidence-based decision-making." The meeting ended with warm thanks and a shared belief that when used wisely, data is more than numbers—it’s a powerful tool for real change.

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Tags: Odisha government, World bank, Statistical system, Data transformation, Gsbpm, National data archive,