Odisha is setting a new benchmark in India’s statistical landscape through the World Bank-supported “Strengthening State Statistical System” initiative, a key component of the Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Programme.
A high-level meeting held at the Planning & Convergence (P&C) Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg, IAS, marked a significant step in this transformative journey.
The meeting, attended by key officials including D.K. Jena, OSD-cum-Special Secretary, P&C Department, and Dr. Bijaya Bhusan Nanda, Director of Economics and Statistics, reviewed progress and outlined ambitious plans to position Odisha as a leader in evidence-based governance. The World Bank Mission Team, led by Mr. Thomas and Ms. Shreya Dutta, presented a roadmap to bolster the state’s statistical framework.
Smt. Garg emphasised Odisha’s commitment to transforming data into a strategic tool for achieving the vision of *Viksit Odisha 2036 and 2047*. “This is not just a technical exercise but a strategic one, deeply tied to governance guided by evidence and progress measured by impact,” she said.
Odisha has achieved several firsts in India’s statistical domain. It is the only state to adopt the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM), aligning its practices with global standards. The introduction of the National Data Archive (NADA) makes Odisha the first state to create a centralised data catalogue, enhancing accessibility for citizens, researchers, and policymakers. Additionally, the state has pioneered the use of Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) software for price statistics data collection, streamlining processes and improving accuracy.
The Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DE&S) is set to undergo a digital overhaul, ensuring faster production, timely dissemination, and greater transparency of statistical outputs. A new Survey Design & Research Division (SDRD) will be established to conduct independent, scientifically designed household surveys, strengthening data collection and validation. To support district-level planning, Odisha will enhance District Domestic Product (DDP) estimation by engaging experts and building DE&S capacity.
The state also plans to strengthen statistical systems across departments, starting with an assessment of the Energy, Tourism, and Housing and Urban Development Departments. A team of DE&S officials will receive international training to adopt global best practices, fostering a culture of mentorship and innovation within the state’s statistical ecosystem.
Smt. Garg underscored the state’s commitment to “demystifying data” by making it accessible, understandable, and actionable. “Data should not just be numbers but narratives that guide governance and development,” she said.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge to harness data with integrity and innovation, positioning Odisha as a model for data-driven development in India.
