Odisha Pushes for Smarter Governance Through NADA Training
State launches advanced NADA training to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and public access to official statistics
Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken another major step toward becoming a data-driven state administration with the Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DE&S) rolling out a five-day advanced training programme on “Data Cataloguing using NADA – Phase 2.” The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on building a data-literate bureaucracy capable of supporting modern governance and transparent public communication.
The training, held from November 17 to 21 at the Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS) in Bhubaneswar, brings together statistical personnel from across Odisha to learn advanced practices in data documentation, catalogue creation, and digital archiving through the National Data Archive (NADA) system.
The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Additional Secretary of the Planning & Convergence Department and Director of NCDS, who stressed that the future of governance lies in how effectively governments convert raw data into actionable insights. He noted that Odisha’s progress in statistical reforms reflects a broader commitment to improving planning and service delivery through high-quality, well-organised datasets.
Senior officials including Ms. Rashmi Kabi, FA-cum-Additional Secretary; Dr. Bijaya Bhusan Nanda, Director of Economics & Statistics; Ms. Sudha Priya Das, Director of Evaluation; and international NADA expert and lead trainer, Mr. Somnath Sambhudas, also attended the inaugural session.
Dr. Nanda underscored that Odisha’s vision goes beyond data collection, aiming to make datasets more accessible, usable, and meaningful for researchers, departments, and the public. He highlighted the need for “data democratisation”—allowing citizens and institutions to benefit from government-generated statistics without barriers. He said simplifying metadata, documenting methodologies clearly, and improving navigation in data portals are essential for promoting evidence-based policy culture.
The training is part of the World Bank-supported Odisha State Capacity and Resilient Growth Programme (OSCRGP), which focuses on modernising the state’s statistical systems. Participants will gain hands-on experience in preparing advanced metadata, mapping data dictionaries, documenting survey methodologies, and publishing microdata through NADA. Sessions include practical exercises, peer reviews, and structured presentations to build consistent metadata standards across DE&S operations.
Trainer Mr. Somnath Sambhudas is guiding teams through international best practices in statistical information systems. The goal, officials said, is to create uniformity in how Odisha’s datasets are organised, which will improve both internal data use and public trust in official statistics.
Odisha remains a national frontrunner in data transparency—being the first state to implement NADA to publicly catalogue government datasets. With a dedicated Data Dissemination Policy already in place, the state is now strengthening institutional capacity to ensure smooth, timely publication of statistical resources in open formats.
Officials believe the programme will help build a government ecosystem where planners and field officers rely more heavily on authentic, accessible data when making decisions. Ultimately, the initiative aims to boost transparency, improve the quality of governance, and make Odisha a model state for data-driven development in India.
