Success of govt schemes depends on timeliness, reliability of data

A one-day workshop aimed at enhancing coordination, transparency and efficiency in the state’s statistical activities was organised at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district today. Abhishek Jain, Secretary (Finance, Economics and Statistics and Planning), presided over the event. The workshop was held under the Statistical Strengthening Scheme (SSS) of the state Department of Economics and Statistics and sponsored by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Senior officers of various departments, statistical experts and key stakeholders attended the workshop.

In his inaugural address, Jain emphasised the pivotal role of accurate and integrated data in policy formulation and said, “The success of government schemes and programmes depends largely on the reliability, timeliness, and transparency of data.” He noted that statistical indicators reflect where the Lahaul-Spiti district stands on different developmental parameters and portray its socio-economic profile as well as its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Jain urged all departments to conduct detailed analyses of data related to their respective sectors to better understand development trends and improve planning and implementation. Stressing the importance of accuracy and authenticity of data, he said that reliable statistics guide the direction of policymaking and program design. He further highlighted that scientific use of data is essential for effective administrative reforms and achieving developmental goals.

Commending Lahaul-Spiti for being a transparent, accountable, and environmentally conscious district, Jain encouraged officials to maintain these standards and continue their efforts. He also directed improvements in e-office systems and Aadhaar renewal processes.

He emphasised the need for continuous capacity building and training across departments, assuring that sufficient financial resources would be made available for this purpose. He urged departments to take concrete measures to maintain the reliability of key development indicators and address any shortcomings. Jain also underscored the importance of understanding and improving trends in local products, agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts.

Suggesting the formation of small research groups on topics such as migration, horticultural and agricultural production, and handicrafts, he encouraged initiatives for the marketing and branding of local products. He also recommended regular workshops and training sessions to enhance employees’ mental efficiency, motivation, and productivity.

The workshop began at 11:00 a.m. with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. In the inaugural session, Dr Vinod Rana, Economic Adviser, said that data transparency and reliability are the foundation of good governance. Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul-Spiti, Kiran Bhardana highlighted that data-driven decision-making enhances administrative accountability and ensures better outcomes, adding that such workshops strengthen data culture at the local level.

During the technical session, three key presentations were made: The fistrict profile by the District Statistics Office, Keylong; District Good Governance Index by Suresh Chand Verma, Deputy Director (Economics & Statistics); and Data Requirements for Estimating State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) by the Income Section of the department.

A quiz competition held after the presentations added an element of engagement and learning, fostering both knowledge enhancement and healthy competition. In the Open House Discussion, participants shared their views on departmental coordination, technological advancements, and digitization of statistical processes.

Jain said that workshops are not merely theoretical platforms but effective forums for learning, dialogue, and setting policy directions. He appreciated the valuable suggestions shared by participants and expressed confidence that such initiatives would take Himachal Pradesh’s statistical system to new heights.