31 JAN: A Memorandum of Understanding was signed under the Data Innovation lab initiative between Data Informatics and Innovation Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi) on Jan 30th, 2025.
The Ministry has initiated several reforms to modernise the National Statistical System in the last one year. In July 2024, MoSPI embarked on the scheme for Data Innovation (DI) Lab initiative as to infuse innovation, and build an ecosystem for research-driven solutions. The DI Lab is designed to serve as a platform to harness emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data Analytics to enhance data collection, processing, and dissemination.
As part of the Outreach Activities, the Lab has been engaging with premier academic institutions. More than 100 academic institutions have been approached. MoU with several reputed institutions including IITs and IIMs have been signed.
A key objective of this partnership is to leverage academic expertise to tackle real-world challenges in official statistics by creating a link between academia and practitioners.. The statistical landscape is evolving, and new methodologies are needed to address issues like data integration, real-time analytics, and predictive modeling.
In this collective endeavour and collaborative approach towards improving Official Statistics, the partnership was formalised through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MoSPI and IIIT Delhi. Collaboration with IIIT Delhi is a crucial step in creating an ecosystem for innovation. With the signing of this MoU, MoSPI is reinforcing its commitment to fostering long-term collaboration between Government and Academia and infusing fresh ideas in the system. This is expected to lead to impactful innovations that will significantly enhance the functioning of MoSPI and strengthen the statistical ecosystem of the country.
Source (PIB)
 and IIIT-Delhi){kind=link}