The Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DE&S), Odisha, under the Planning & Convergence Department, has launched a five-day advanced training programme on “Data Cataloguing using NADA (National Data Archive) – Phase 2.”
Held from November 17 to 21 at the Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS) in Bhubaneswar, the initiative represents a key step in enhancing the state’s data documentation, archiving, and dissemination capabilities.
The programme was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by Mr Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Additional Secretary of the Planning & Convergence Department and Director of NCDS. Joining him were notable dignitaries, including Ms Rashmi Kabi, FA-cum-Additional Secretary of the Planning & Convergence Department; Dr Bijaya Bhusan Nanda, Director of Economics & Statistics; Ms Sudha Priya Das, Director of Evaluation in the Planning & Convergence Department; and Mr Somnath Sambhudas, an international expert on NADA serving as the trainer.
In his inaugural address, Mr Mohanty emphasised the critical role of high-quality, well-documented statistical data in governance and public policy. He praised the statistical personnel for their efforts in generating reliable statistics and commended DE&S for its forward-thinking initiatives to bolster Odisha’s statistical ecosystem.
Dr Bijaya Bhusan Nanda set the stage for the training by highlighting that the true value of data extends beyond collection to its accessibility and utility for stakeholders. He advocated for data democratisation, making datasets available to researchers, policymakers, government departments, and the public. Dr Nanda also stressed the importance of simplifying data usage to enable better interpretation and application in evidence-based decision-making.
This training is a component of the World Bank-supported Odisha State Capacity and Resilient Growth Programme (OSCRGP), which focuses on improving transparency, accessibility, and the quality of the state’s statistical systems. Participants will undergo intensive sessions on advanced metadata creation, documenting study methodologies, mapping data dictionaries for microdata, and publishing datasets in the NADA repository. The programme offers hands-on experience to help teams prepare, validate, and publish metadata for various surveys and statistical outputs.
Facilitated by Mr Somnath Sambhudash, an expert in statistical information systems and data dissemination, the sessions include practical exercises, review discussions, and team presentations. These activities aim to foster a culture of standardised metadata preparation and enhance institutional practices across all DE&S-generated datasets.
Odisha leads the nation in data dissemination, being the first state to implement NADA for cataloguing and publishing datasets for public use. With the Data Dissemination Policy and its Implementation Guidelines already established, DE&S is dedicated to transparent, efficient, and user-centric sharing of official statistics.
