Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta emphasized the crucial role of data-driven governance while inaugurating a workshop on “Strengthening the Use of Data in Governance in Himachal Pradesh” held here today. He described data as the “new soil of governance”, stating that the better it is utilized, the more productive and effective government policies will become. In the era of artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancement, data, he said, is emerging as a cornerstone for informed decision-making and accelerated development.
The Chief Secretary underscored that efficient data utilization aids in formulating sound public policies and ensures faster implementation of developmental schemes. He said that the true power of data lies in its proper integration and analysis, which transforms raw information into actionable insights.
Highlighting the need for inter-departmental coordination, Gupta noted that various departments collect diverse types of data and that its aggregation and integration are essential for accurate planning. He also stressed the importance of data literacy and accuracy during collection and management. Officials, he said, must closely monitor and analyze field-level data while maintaining confidentiality and preventing any data manipulation.
He further stated that it was essential to develop a secure and interoperable State Data Integration Platform, supported by a robust data governance framework. Establishing data or policy labs in collaboration with academic institutions would promote interdepartmental data sharing and ensure that data becomes an integral part of administrative functioning.
The Chief Secretary remarked that Himachal Pradesh is performing remarkably well in key sectors such as rural economy, education, and health, and added that the state’s progress should be reflected in comprehensive, user-friendly data accessible to the public.
Earlier, Finance Secretary Dr. Abhishek Jain welcomed the Chief Secretary and other senior officials. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jain said that data is the most valuable asset in today’s world, and accurate information collection is vital to informed governance. He added that Himachal Pradesh is moving beyond mere data collection toward data utilization, with the aim of establishing data as a key pillar of governance. He also informed that training programs for better data management will be organized through the Indian School of Business (ISB), along with capacity-building initiatives at the district level.
During the workshop, several presentations highlighting the importance of data-driven decision-making were delivered.
Additional Chief Secretaries K.K. Pant and R.D. Nazeem, along with Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and senior officials from various departments, attended the workshop. Deputy Commissioners from different districts participated virtually.
