Progress can be evaluated on the basis of data. Statistics would make the country develop further. Use of technology in collection of statistics is important. It ensures clarity and transparency. This was stated by Union Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation DV Sadananda Gowda here on Thursday.
Inaugurating a regional workshop on “Sensitising the State Government on Use of IHSN Toolkit and setting up Data Centre in the State Directorate of Economics and Statistics,” Gowda said India is now one of the fastest growing economies of the world with a GDP growth of 7.6 per cent.
Transparency in administrative development and good governance activities is compared with statistical data. The main motive of the setting up of the data centre is to create robust data collection up to the international standards, he said.
Minister of Planning and Convergence, Government of Odisha Usha Devi said the statistical system assumes paramount importance as long as the data remain efficient. The workshop would sensitise and upgrade the knowledge of the Statistical Officers of the State.
Statistics and Programme Implementation Secretary, Government of India, TCA Anant said the data computer centre plays a key role in data storage and decimation. Good policy making can be made when good data are available. Data collection is basically of two types, surveys and samples and administrative data. The main motive is to make data useful to the policy maker.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary R Balkrishnan said data should be relevant and reliable and they should be updated regularly. It is a decision enabler. The programme is significant for Odisha. Statistics is important but its importance has not been fully understood. When flow of information stops, rumours take upper hand, he observed.
On the occasion, the State Report on the Sixth Economic Census of Odisha was released.