Shillong, November 22 : In a significant step towards enhancing data accessibility and promoting evidence-based policymaking, the Bharti Institute of Public Policy (BIPP) at the Indian School of Business (ISB) has launched the Meghalaya Data Portal (https://meghalayadataportal.com). This open-access platform provides a wealth of interoperable, cleaned, and analysis-ready datasets to a wide range of stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, academia, journalists, and the general public.
The Meghalaya Data Portal was inaugurated at the ISB campus by the Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Thomas A. Sangma, and Prof. Ashwini Chhatre, Executive Director of BIPP. This initiative represents a collaboration between BIPP, the Meghalaya Institute of Governance, the Government of Meghalaya, and the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The portal currently features 50 datasets spanning across 11 sectors, including crime, economy, education, elections, food and agriculture, and more. Users can seamlessly browse, download, and analyze these datasets, gaining valuable insights into the state’s socio-economic landscape. Additionally, the portal allows for data merging using local directory codes, facilitating deeper exploration and analysis.
The Meghalaya Data Portal aligns with BIPP’s larger, country-wide initiative, India Data Portal, which advocates for an open-access ecosystem that fosters evidence-based policymaking. By providing uninhibited access to free and reliable data, the portal empowers policymakers to make informed decisions that address the state’s pressing challenges.
The ISB team is committed to the Meghalaya Data Portal’s continual growth, working closely with the Government of Meghalaya to expand its dataset collection. Additionally, the portal provides options for users to share their insights and visualizations across social media networks, fostering a community of data-driven discourse.
The launch of the Meghalaya Data Portal marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards open data transparency and data-driven governance. By empowering stakeholders with access to crucial information, the portal has the potential to catalyze informed decision-making, promote innovation, and foster a more informed citizenry.
