Event Data.Gov.in

The Open Data Technology Division of the National Informatics Centre, MeitY, on 26th July 2024 convened a Stakeholders’ Workshop for Government Data Ecosystem at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The event brought together a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, data scientists, researchers, policymakers, industry experts, journalists, and civil society representatives, to foster collaboration within the open government data ecosystem. The workshop aimed to facilitate a comprehensive exchange of perspectives, challenges, and opportunities related to open data.

Ms. Usha Saxena, Sr Director (IT), NIC in her inaugural address, emphasized the pivotal role of collaboration in driving innovation and socio-economic development through open data. Her remarks set the stage for the ensuing discussions. The workshop featured three panel discussions.

Panel Discussion 1: Open Data for Innovation and Socio-Economic Development – Use cases from various Sectors

Session Chair: Ms Reena Singh, Chief Director Stats Department of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Panellists:

1. Shri Naveen Francis, Open Street Map (OSM)
2. Shri John Samuel Raja Duraipandy, Co-Founder, How India Lives
3. Shri Kabeer Arora, Open Contracting India
4. Shri Achint Sanghi, Bolbhav: Live Mandi Bhaav App

  

The first panel explored the relationship between open data and socio-economic development, showcasing a range of successful use cases across sectors such as healthcare, urban planning and agriculture. Panelists delved into the challenges and opportunities associated with harnessing open data for public good, including issues of data quality, privacy and accessibility.

Panel Discussion 2: Future Trends and Technologies in Data Sharing and Exchange

Session Chair: Shri Gaurav Godhwani, Executive Director and Founder, Civic Data Lab

Panellists:

1. Shri K.S.P.V. Pavan Kumar, IFS, Special Secretary & Director, DITEC, Govt of Assam
2. Ms Rukmini S, Founder, Data For India
3. Shri V.R. Raman, Executive Director, Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability
4. Ms Meera, Open City, Managing Trustee, Oorvani Foundation

     

The second panel focused on the evolving landscape of data sharing and exchange, with a spotlight on emerging technologies and federated data sharing. Experts discussed the potential benefits and risks of these technologies, emphasizing the importance of robust data governance frameworks.

Panel Discussion 3: Data Governance and User Ecosystem

Session Chair: Shri Dheeraj Rastogi, Executive Vice President (Services), Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance

Panellists:

1. Shri Aditya Chhabra, Researcher, World Bank
2. Vrunda Bansode, Partner, India Data Insights – Sattva Consulting
3. Shri Shashank Mohan, Programme Manager, Centre for Communication Governance, National Law University Delhi
4. Shri Avik Sarkar, Member GPAI & ISB, Chandigarh

  

The third panel centered on data governance and user ecosystem, underscoring the need for responsible data management practices. Panelists exchanged insights on data stewardship, compliance and ethical considerations, aiming to establish a foundation for reliable, accountable and transparent data.

The workshop concluded with an open house discussion moderated by Ms. Alka Misra, DDG, NIC providing participants with an opportunity to pose questions and seek clarifications on data access policies and collaborative models.

Ms. Ritu Ghai, Director (IT), NIC delivered the vote of thanks, emphasizing the collective responsibility to enhance the functionality, accessibility and utility of data.gov.in.

The Stakeholders’ Workshop served as a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and consensus building. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event contributed to strengthening the government data ecosystem and fostering a data-driven approach.