Marking a major step toward digital transformation and evidence-based decision-making, the Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DES), Odisha, successfully organized a three-day user consultation workshop and capacity-building program on “Geospatial Analysis through ArcGIS.”
Held from September 23 to 25 at the Madhusudan Das Regional Academy of Financial Management (MDRAFM), Chandrasekharpur, the event aimed to modernize the state’s statistical framework using advanced location intelligence.
The training program was conducted under the World Bank-assisted Odisha State Capability and Resilience Growth Program (OSCRGP). Designed to strengthen spatial planning, mapping, and analytical capabilities, the workshop focused on equipping state officials with practical expertise in leveraging ArcGIS for development initiatives and statistical monitoring.
Inaugurating the session on September 23, Director of Economics & Statistics and Special Secretary Shri Manas Ranjan Samal highlighted the critical need to integrate modern geospatial tools into traditional statistical systems to improve planning accuracy.
The valedictory ceremony on September 25 was attended by key dignitaries, including Joint Secretary of the Planning and Convergence Department Shri Anuj Kumar Das Patnaik, IAS; Additional Secretary Shri Pradyumna Kumar Mahakud; and DES Director Shri Manas Ranjan Samal. The leaders commended the initiative and interacted with participants, emphasizing the strategic value of spatial insights in shaping robust policy interventions.
A total of 38 participants and resource personnel attended the workshop, including representatives from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Regional Planning units, District Planning & Monitoring Units (DPMU), Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC), and Project Management Consultants.
Technical sessions were led by experts from ESRI India, offering hands-on training in spatial analysis, data visualization, and real-world statistical application. By equipping key personnel with advanced geospatial tools, Odisha continues to reinforce its commitment to building a tech-driven, resilient, and transparent governance framework.
