Real-time national data now achievable, states to be integrated soon: Mospi secretary

Fresh updates from the financial markets indicate that Real-time nationwide data is now within reach, with state-level integration coming next, statistics ministry secretary Saurabh Garg stated on September 24, stressing on the need for wider sharing and agility.

Flagging silos between ministries, Garg stated the government is aiming for machine-readable data and interoperable systems.

"Data harmonisation is needed across states as well; that can be done soon," Garg stated at the 13th Annual PAFI Forum in New Delhi.

Garg additionally called for faster and more usable data. "Agility in data is extremely necessary. We are looking at how silos across ministries can be broken. We need data that's machine readable and interoperable."

Machine-readable data is information that software can process directly while interoperable data can be exchanged and used together by different systems.

Garg stated work is under way with states on how information is gathered. "We are working across states to ensure that the methodology of collecting data for different indicators follows the same principles that the central government follows."

Garg stated advances in technology have changed what can be done. "Data processing has become much simpler. The possibility of having real-time data available at national scale is now achievable due to technology."

Garg pointed to existing examples of shared data at work. "PM Gati Shakti has data that can be used for planning purposes, infrastructure and other projects," he stated.

He additionally cited DigiYatra. "DigiYatra is an example of how data is harmonised, and used for better delivery of services."

Speaking around artificial intelligence, he stated, "AI is an evolving area. We are using AI in analytical work and in improving the quality of data collection," he stated.