1 July 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Launches eSankhyiki Portal for Enhanced User Experience and Ease of Data Access

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2029708 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance – E-governance – application

Context

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal to enhance data accessibility and user experience. It offers comprehensive data management and real-time inputs for planners, policymakers, researchers, and the public, aligning with global statistical practices and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

eSankhyiki portal:

• Purpose and Launch: The eSankhyiki portal was launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Statistics Day, June 29, 2024. It aims to improve accessibility and usability of official statistics for planners, policymakers, researchers, and the public.
• Modules:
  • Data Catalogue Module: Catalogues major data assets of MoSPI, including National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, Index of Industrial Production, and more. It offers search functionality within datasets, metadata, and visualisations for over 2291 datasets.
  • Macro Indicators Module: Provides time-series data of key macro indicators with features for data filtering, visualisation, and API-based data sharing. It covers products like National Accounts Statistics, Consumer Price Index, and others over the last ten years, totaling more than 1.7 million records.
• Features: Facilitates download of custom datasets, visualisations, and supports API integration for data reuse and analysis.
• Accessibility: Accessible via the eSankhyiki portal (https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in) and MoSPI’s official website (https://mospi.gov.in/).
• Initiative Impact: Promotes evidence-based decision-making by providing easy access to comprehensive and reliable statistical data, fostering transparency and informed policy formulation.

Significance of accessibility and usability of official statistics:

Informed Decision Making: Accessible and usable statistics empower planners, policymakers, researchers, and the public to make informed decisions based on reliable data rather than assumptions or incomplete information. Policy Formulation: Policymakers can formulate evidence-based policies that address societal needs and challenges effectively, backed by robust statistical insights and trends. Resource Allocation: Planners can allocate resources efficiently by understanding demographic trends, economic indicators, and social patterns derived from comprehensive statistical data. Research and Analysis: Researchers can conduct detailed studies and analysis across various domains such as economics, sociology, and public health, leveraging accessible datasets for academic and practical research. Public Awareness: Accessible statistics foster public awareness and understanding of key issues, enabling constructive public discourse and engagement in governance and development processes. Accountability and Transparency: Transparent access to official statistics enhances accountability in governance and promotes trust between government institutions and the public. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous access to updated statistics facilitates ongoing monitoring and evaluation of policy outcomes, enabling timely adjustments and improvements. Global Benchmarking: Comparing national statistics with global benchmarks helps in benchmarking national performance and identifying areas for improvement in international contexts.

Practice Question:  Discuss the importance of accessible and usable official statistics in informing policy formulation and decision-making. How can initiatives like the eSankhyiki portal contribute to enhancing transparency and governance effectiveness? (250 Words /15 marks)