India has officially joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), emphasising the country’s increasing prominence in the global statistical arena and its dedication to utilising data and technology for informed decision-making. The UN-CEBD was established to further explore the advantages and challenges associated with Big Data, particularly its potential for monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals.
By integrating non-traditional data sources such as IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data streams, India aims to modernise its statistical processes, enhance the accuracy of estimates, and enable the timely availability of critical data for policy formulation and governance.
According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), as a member of this committee, India will help shape global standards and practices in the use of Big Data and data science for official statistical purposes. India’s active participation in the Committee of Experts will showcase its innovative initiatives, such as establishing a data innovation lab and investigating alternative data sources like satellite imagery and machine learning for policy-making. Further, this membership represents a strategic opportunity for India to align its domestic advancements in Big Data and data science with international objectives, highlighting the country’s ability to lead transformative initiatives in the data sector.
