Paperman Media (Bhubaneswar)- The Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DE&S), Planning & Convergence Department, Government of Odisha, successfully observed the 20th National Statistics Day on 29 June 2026 and organized a two-day workshop on “Harnessing Administrative Data for Efficient Public Service Delivery”, on 29th and 30th June at the State Convention Centre, Loka Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, in-line with MoSPI unlocking the potential of administrative data. The event brought together senior government officials, statisticians, policymakers, academicians, development partners and subject experts to deliberate on the transformative role of administrative data in strengthening evidence-based governance and public service delivery.
The programme commenced with floral tributes to Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis, the architect of India’s modern statistical system. The inaugural session was graced by the Hon’ble, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary as chief guest, and eminent statistician Shri G. C. Manna, ISS (Retd.), along with senior officers of the State Government.
Sri Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary emphasis upon the strengthening statistical system of the state, in all the departments. He also said that the best way to pay tribute is to Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis, is to walk on the path shown by him. The chief speaker highlighted the potential of administrative data. He said the administrative data should be used in caution and validated with survey data.
On this occasion, Dr. B. B. Nanda, Director, Economics & Statistics set the context and mentioned about the ongoing efforts and success stories towards modernizing Odisha’s statistical ecosystem through the launch of several digital initiatives.
Sri Singh, (IAS), DC-cum-ACS, launched the new initiatives of DE&S like Data Catalogue and Metadata Management Portal, STATOdisha Mobile Application, Web-Based Progress Reporting System (eTathya), Integrated Inventory and Asset Management System , CAPI Management Information System (MIS) Dashboard, RIPAE&S Website and Learning Management System, Library Management System of RIPAE&S and DE&S, and GIS-enabled Statistical Dashboard of DE&S. These initiatives are expected to significantly improve the accessibility, quality, management and dissemination of official statistics.
Several key statistical publications were also released during the inaugural session, including the Energy Statistics Report - 2025, Women and Men Odisha Report - 2025, Annual Activity Report – 2025-26, Technical Reports of EARAS – 2023-24 & 2024-25, First Census of Water Bodies Report, Samikhya Journal - 2026, District Statistical Handbook (2024) – 13 districts, Annual Survey of Industries Report – 2021-22 and Index of Industrial Production - 2024. The Best Performing District Planning & Monitoring Units (DPMUs) Awards were presented in recognition of excellence in statistical activities to three districts namely Sambalpur, Dhenkanal and Mayurbhanj.
Sri Manas Ranjan Samal, OAS (SS), Officer-on-Special duty, DE&S, concluded the inaugural session by marking the vote of thanks. OSD, DE&S also made a presentation on overcoming the issues and challenges of harmonizing administrative data in Odisha.
The two-day technical workshop featured insightful deliberations on digital transformation of statistical systems, metadata management, data quality assurance, quantum-safe data security, environmental statistics, and strategies for leveraging administrative data for evidence-based policymaking. Experts from the World Bank, other development partners and civil societies, Government of India, academia and various State Government departments shared national and international best practices. Departmental presentations by the Forest & Environment, Pollution Control Board, Geographical Survey of India, and GRIDCO highlighted innovative applications of administrative data for improving governance and public service delivery.
The workshop concluded with a consensus on strengthening data harmonisation, interoperability and institutional collaboration to build a robust, technology-enabled statistical system capable of supporting timely, reliable and evidence-based decision-making. The event reaffirmed the Government of Odisha’s commitment to leveraging data as a strategic asset for inclusive and good governance.
