India advances data-driven policymaking amid evolving labour market

India advances data-driven policymaking amid evolving labour market

ILO-NSSTA training equips officials with skills to more effectively use data for decision making.

21 April 2026

New Delhi (ILO News) - India is building the capacity of government officials to translate statistics and data into actionable policies for inclusive growth and decent work.

A joint initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) took place in New Delhi from 20-24 April 2026.

Bringing together senior statisticians and officials, the training aims to strengthen the capacity to translate data into effective policy decisions, particularly in the context of India's rapidly evolving labour market shaped by demographic change, digitalization, migration, and the green transition.

Speaking at the opening, Shri P. R. Meshram, Director General, MoSPI said, "India has a strong statistical system. The next step is to ensure that data is effectively used in policymaking. This training helps bridge that critical gap."

Hansraj Yadav, Deputy Director General, NSSTA added: "This collaboration allows us to move beyond technical training and focus on how statistics can support better policy outcomes."

The training is based on the ILO's evidence-based policymaking (EBPM) framework, equipping participants to formulate policy-relevant questions, assess and synthesize evidence, communicate data effectively, and develop policy briefs and training programmes.

A key feature is the Training of Trainers approach, enabling participants to cascade knowledge across institutions and strengthen India's statistical and policy ecosystem.

Oktavianto Pasaribu Deputy Director, ILO Decent Work Team for South Asia noted: "The challenge today is not only to produce data, but to interpret and communicate it effectively for decision-making."

Participants will apply learning to real policy challenges and design their own training sessions.

Naren Prasad Head of Education and Training, ILO Research & Statistics Department underlined the broader vision: "This training is about moving from data to decisions, and ultimately to impact. Statistics matter most when they are used to improve people's lives."

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of the ILO and the Government of India to strengthen data-driven governance and evidence-informed policymaking, ensuring that statistics contribute to inclusive growth, decent work, and social justice.