Shimla: Emphasising the importance of reliable data in the modern era, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap said that data-driven decision-making leads to more accurate, transparent and trustworthy governance outcomes.
He was presiding over a workshop organised by the Department of Economics and Statistics, Government of Himachal Pradesh, at Hotel Holiday Home, Shimla, under the centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The workshop aimed at strengthening the data collection mechanism, improving coordination among departments and avoiding delays in statistical activities.
The workshop was attended by the State Government’s Economic Advisor Dr Vinod Rana, Additional Deputy Commissioner Divyanshu Singhal, senior officers of the Economics and Statistics Department, representatives of various state government departments and other key stakeholders.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner said the primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen the state’s statistical system by improving data coordination, collection, analysis and dissemination to promote evidence-based policymaking and good governance. He stressed the need for efficient resource allocation and identification of areas requiring policy intervention. He added that timely data feeding and continuous verification help transform raw data into meaningful information, reflecting ground-level work at the top level and improving overall governance outcomes.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Divyanshu Singhal described data as a new fuel for building a strong official framework within the state to make citizens’ lives easier.
Economic Advisor Dr Vinod Rana highlighted the role of a robust data system in reducing delays and generating high-quality, realistic data for effective policy formulation. He underlined the need to strengthen statistical capacity at the grassroots level to support planning, monitoring and evaluation, and urged all data-producing departments to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and validation, particularly in the preparation of district and state income estimates.
Welcoming the participants, Deputy Director Suresh Verma emphasised the importance of accurate data for public welfare and the overall development of the state and the nation. He also presented an overview of the district profile of Shimla.
Presentations during the workshop included the District Good Governance Index, data requirements for Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) estimation and other technical sessions. An open house discussion provided a platform for participants to share experiences, raise issues and suggest innovative measures to enhance inter-departmental coordination and improve statistical processes.
An interactive statistical quiz was also organised to reinforce key concepts and encourage active participation. The workshop concluded with a feedback session, during which participants shared valuable suggestions for strengthening future statistical initiatives.
Joint Director, Economics and Statistics Department, Anupam Sharma emphasised the importance of continuous inter-departmental collaboration and capacity-building initiatives to ensure a strong, reliable and responsive statistical system in the state.
