Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that accurate data forms the foundation of sound decision-making, and true development cannot be achieved without facts. He said that reliable data plays a vital role across all sectors, and policies can succeed only when they are based on real and authentic data.
The Chief Minister was addressing policymakers, statisticians, and representatives from various states at the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organizations on the theme “Strengthening Local-Level Governance” held here today. Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation, Rao Inderjit Singh was also present on the occasion.
He said that empowering governance at the local level is not only the need of the hour but also the key to fulfilling the aspirations of New India. When governance is strengthened at the grassroots, schemes do not remain confined to files but effectively reach the people, this, he said, is the true strength of democracy.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister and the Union Minister of State jointly released Children in India 2025 and Environmental Accounting on Forests 2025.
*PM prioritized data-driven governance over the past decade*
Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has consistently prioritized data-driven governance over the past decade. He highlighted that identity has been ensured through Aadhaar, while schemes have been directly delivered to the poor via Jan Dhan accounts.
He further said that Digital India has elevated data collection and transparency to unprecedented levels. Emphasizing the importance of evidence-based policymaking, he said that central and state statistical organizations play a vital role at every stage—from policy formulation to implementation.
He said that today is the age of technology, and only the integration of data with technology can deliver real and effective results. In Haryana, several successful initiatives have been undertaken by combining data and technology, setting an example that many states across the country are now following.
The most notable among these is the Mera Parivar Meri Pehchan program, through which the government has created a comprehensive database of every family. Using this data, the benefits of various schemes are being delivered directly to eligible families without any discrimination. This initiative, he added, is driving revolutionary changes across sectors such as education, health, employment, and social security.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the goal of building a "developed India" by 2047, and emphasized that local governance along with accurate data will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision. He said that, in the coming years, every Panchayat will have its own data dashboard, every district will establish a statistical innovation lab, and states will compete with each other in ensuring accuracy and innovation in data collection and usage.
Highlighting Haryana’s progress, Nayab Singh Saini said that the accuracy of data also reflects the state’s economic growth. Haryana’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which was Rs 4.37 lakh crore in 2014-15, is raised to Rs 12.13 lakh crore in 2024-25. During the same period, per capita income has increased from Rs 1.47 lakh to Rs3.53 lakh.
He said that, recognizing the importance of data, Haryana has initiated the establishment of several data centers. A pilot project for “online paperless deed registration” was launched in Naraiangarh on August 11, 2025.
He said that strengthening local governance requires accurate data, updated records at the village, ward, and neighborhood levels, active public participation, and the use of advanced technologies such as AI, machine learning, and digital tools to effectively monitor and implement schemes.
*Haryana to invest Rs474 crore under the 'Haryana AI Development Project’*
Nayab Singh Saini said that an investment of Rs 474 crore will be made under the ‘Haryana AI Development Project’ between 2025 and 2028. This initiative will include the establishment of a Global Artificial Intelligence Center in Gurugram and an Advanced Computing Facility in Panchkula.
He added that the Ministry of Statistics has signed a Rs 5 crore MoU to further strengthen and advance Haryana’s statistical system. The conference, he said, will serve as an effective platform for discussing common challenges and capacity-building initiatives between central and state statistical organizations.
The conference was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Dr. Saurabh Garg, Chief Secretary, Haryana Anurag Rastogi, Chief Secretary, Punjab K.A.P. Sinha, and Vice Chairman, Planning Board, Himachal Pradesh Bhawani Singh Pathania.