The Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DE&S), Odisha, under the Planning & Convergence Department, has successfully wrapped up a Phase-II, five-day advanced training program on implementing the Data Catalogue using the National Data Archive (NADA) platform.
Held from November 17 to 21 at the Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS) in Bhubaneswar, the initiative is designed to enhance the state’s capacity to organise and disseminate official data in a systematic and user-friendly way.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions led by international expert Mr Somnath Sambhudas, focusing on practical exercises with DE&S datasets. Trainees learned essential skills such as documenting datasets, describing survey methodologies, and preparing metadata to publish microdata from key surveys, including the National Sample Survey (NSS), Price Statistics, Annual Survey of Industries, Minor Irrigation Census, and Census of Water Bodies. This effort represents a major stride toward improving transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in Odisha’s statistical systems.
The program was inaugurated by Mr Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Additional Secretary of the Planning & Convergence Department, alongside other dignitaries. In his address, Mohanty highlighted how properly explained and accessible data becomes more valuable for users of all technical levels. Dr B.B. Nanda provided key insights, underscoring the critical need for transparent data dissemination to boost research and citizen involvement.
This training is a core component of the World Bank-supported Odisha State Capacity and Resilient Growth Programme (OSCRGP), which prioritises strengthening the state’s statistical infrastructure. Through such investments, the Government of Odisha is committed to making official data readily available and interpretable for evidence-based planning and public utilisation. The program’s completion underscores the state’s dedication to modern data management practices.
Odisha stands out as a pioneer in data dissemination, being the first Indian state to operationalise the NADA platform for publishing government datasets. With the State Data Dissemination Policy and its guidelines already established, DE&S continues to champion openness and efficiency in sharing official statistics. This latest milestone further solidifies Odisha’s robust and accessible data ecosystem.
