SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 01: The Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DES), J&K, under the Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, organised a one-day UT-level workshop on “Administrative Data Harmonisation” at SKICC, Srinagar, to strengthen the quality, consistency, interoperability and effective use of administrative data across government departments.
Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Union Ministry for Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) chaired the event. Alice Vaz, Commissioner Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department along with other Administrative Secretaries of major line departments were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Saurabh Garg highlighted the pivotal role of administrative data in strengthening the national statistical system. He stressed harmonisation of concepts, definitions, classifications, metadata and standards to ensure comparability, interoperability and statistical quality. He encouraged J&K to leverage institutional mechanisms such as Data Strategic Units and Chief Data Officers.
Addressing the gathering, R. Alice Vaz introduced the broad objectives of the workshop. She emphasised the importance of reliable, standardised and timely data for evidence-based policy formulation, efficient resource allocation and outcome-oriented governance. She stressed stronger coordination among the departments besides improvement of data systems at the source.
The Commissioner Secretary underscored the importance of departmental ownership, inter-departmental coordination and sustainable institutional mechanisms for ensuring regular and quality administrative data flows aligned with planning, monitoring and evidence-based decision-making.
In her welcome address, Ashu Gupta, Director General, Economics & Statistics, J&K, described the workshop as an important step towards establishing a common statistical language across government departments. She clarified that harmonisation is aimed at establishing common standards, definitions, classifications and metadata while retaining departmental ownership and accountability. She called for a shift from fragmented and periodic data collection towards a regular, structured and quality-assured administrative data ecosystem.
The technical sessions featured experts from MoSPI, Government of Delhi, Government of Karnataka, Delhi Technological University, Population Council and other professional institutions. The discussions covered the national initiative on Data Harmonisation and Support for Statistical Strengthening, Data and AI initiatives, administrative data for population and development evidence, Karnataka’s Kutumba Digital Family Registry besides the Economic, Analytical and Governance Framework of Administrative Data Harmonisation.
A dedicated discussion was also held to identify the administrative datasets that could be made AI-ready, facilitating improved analytics, innovation and evidence-based governance. The Kutumba initiative provided practical insights into the use of integrated digital family registries for targeted delivery of government benefits and services.
The workshop was attended by the Administrative Secretaries, senior officers from MoSPI, Chief Data Officers, members of Data Strategic Units and other senior officials, providing a platform to share experiences, identify challenges and develop practical pathways for administrative data harmonisation in J&K. Besides, the Chief Planning Officers and District Statistics and Evaluation Officers from various districts of UT also participated in the workshop.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to build a trusted, interoperable and future-ready administrative data ecosystem for better evidence-based planning, effective programme monitoring and improved governance outcomes for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
