Accurate Data is the Key to Strong Policies, Says Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini at National Statistics Conference

Chandigarh, September 25 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday emphasized that accurate data is the foundation of sound decision-making and successful policy execution. He said development remains incomplete without facts and figures, and policies can only succeed if they are grounded in real statistics.

Saini was addressing policymakers, statisticians, and representatives from various states at the 29th Central and State Statistical Organizations Conference held in Chandigarh on the theme “Empowerment of Local Governance.” Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh also attended the event.

During the conference, Saini and the Union Minister jointly released “Children in India 2025” and “Environment Accounting on Forest 2025.” He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on data-driven governance over the past decade, noting milestones like Aadhaar-enabled identification, Jan Dhan bank accounts for direct benefits, and transparency brought in through Digital India.

The Chief Minister underlined the importance of integrating data with technology to achieve effective results. He cited Haryana’s “Mera Parivar, Meri Pehchan” initiative as a successful example where household-level databases have ensured targeted delivery of welfare schemes across education, healthcare, employment, and social security.

Saini urged states to adopt a spirit of competition in accurate data collection and utilization, suggesting that every panchayat should have a data dashboard and every district a statistical innovation lab. “Empowering governance at the local level is not just the need of the hour, but the true strength of democracy,” he remarked.

He further shared that Haryana’s GDP has grown from ₹4.37 lakh crore in 2014–15 to ₹12.13 lakh crore in 2024–25, while per capita income rose from ₹1.47 lakh to ₹3.53 lakh in the same period. The state has also launched several data initiatives, including a pilot online paperless deed registration project in Narayangarh and plans to set up data centers to enhance governance efficiency.

Looking ahead, Saini announced the Haryana AI Development Project with an investment of ₹474 crore for 2025–28, including a global artificial intelligence hub in Gurugram and an advanced computing facility in Panchkula. He also highlighted a ₹5 crore MoU with the Ministry of Statistics to strengthen the state’s statistical framework.

The event was attended by senior officials including Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi; Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha; and Himachal Pradesh Planning Board Vice-Chairman Bhawani Singh Pathania, along with other dignitaries.