PK Mishra Highlights Need for Modern Data Systems to Achieve Viksit Bharat 2047

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P K Mishra, emphasized the urgent need for India’s statistical infrastructure to advance in tandem with the country’s ambitious development goals. Speaking on Tuesday, Mishra outlined the critical role of accurate and modern data systems in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Conference of State Planning, Finance and IT Secretaries, organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Mishra pointed out that as India transitions into a more digital, formalized, and interconnected economy, its statistical frameworks must evolve accordingly. "Our statistical architecture must be as modern and ambitious as our national aspirations," he noted.

Mishra stressed that the quality of data directly impacts the effectiveness of decision-making and development outcomes. He described credible statistics, data harmonization, and the use of technology as essential pillars for governance. "What cannot be measured cannot be managed effectively. And what cannot be managed effectively cannot be transformed sustainably," he said, highlighting the strategic significance of reliable statistics beyond mere administrative functions.

India’s development narrative, Mishra observed, is fundamentally shaped by its diverse states. He called for enhanced institutional capacity and stronger collaboration between the central and state governments to improve the accuracy and relevance of official statistics. A well-functioning statistical system, he explained, allows policymakers to track progress at granular levels such as districts and states, evaluate policy impacts, detect gaps, and ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently.

As India moves closer to 2047, Mishra warned that relying on national averages alone would no longer suffice. Detailed data at sub-national levels would become increasingly vital for targeted interventions and informed governance.

The Principal Secretary also highlighted the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, geospatial systems, satellite imagery, and advanced analytics in enhancing the quality of official statistics. However, he cautioned that technological advancements must be balanced with principles of statistical quality, transparency, privacy, security, and accountability. "Speed cannot come at the cost of accuracy. Greater use of data cannot come at the cost of confidentiality," Mishra stated.

While acknowledging the benefits of AI and analytics, Mishra clarified that these tools can support but not replace the foundational elements of statistical integrity. He urged a collective effort involving MoSPI, state statistical offices, finance, planning, and IT departments, as well as NITI Aayog, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to build a trusted and interoperable data ecosystem.

The call for a technology-enabled, transparent, and policy-relevant statistical architecture reflects India’s broader push toward evidence-based governance. As the country strives to meet its development ambitions over the next two decades, strengthening its data infrastructure will be key to monitoring progress, refining policies, and ensuring sustainable transformation across regions.

India’s statistical system stands at a crossroads where modernization and collaboration can unlock more precise insights into the nation’s socio-economic landscape. P K Mishra’s remarks underscore the vital connection between data quality and the country’s developmental trajectory, positioning robust statistics as a cornerstone for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.