India must break data silos, anchor AI to verified sources: Mospi chief

India's statistical authority has urged the government to dismantle data compartmentalization that currently restricts information flow between ministries and state governments, according to senior officials. Breaking these silos would enable more effective policy formulation and evidence-based governance across the country's administration.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation emphasized that free movement of data across institutional boundaries is essential for improving the quality and comprehensiveness of government decision-making. Officials stressed that such integration should be pursued while maintaining appropriate data security and privacy safeguards.

In parallel, the ministry flagged concerns about the emerging use of artificial intelligence in government processes. Officials underscored that AI-generated inferences and outputs must be anchored to verified and validated data sources rather than operating independently. This approach aims to prevent algorithmic decision-making from diverging from ground truth and causing policy errors.

The push for data integration reflects broader efforts within India's government to modernize administrative systems and leverage technology for improved service delivery and planning. The emphasis on verified sources signals growing caution within policymaking circles about deploying AI without adequate safeguards and human oversight.