AP Government Approves State Data Governance Committee

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the formation of a State Data Governance Committee (SDGC) aimed at creating a more connected and efficient data ecosystem across government departments.

The committee will focus on reducing data silos between departments and enabling better interoperability among government databases. The initiative is also expected to strengthen the use of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in public service delivery, helping departments make better use of information available with the government.

Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad said the committee was being constituted in line with the decision taken by the Committee of Secretaries, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, on developing interoperable and integrated government databases. The government has issued orders approving the committee and defining its role.

As per the guidelines of the Central government, the SDGC will function as an oversight body for data governance at the state level. One of its key responsibilities will be to formulate and publish data-sharing policies and ensure the adoption of common standards for data, metadata and application programming interfaces (APIs).

The committee will also facilitate the use of the National Data Exchange Platform and support the development and implementation of a State Data Exchange Platform. Such systems are intended to make it easier for government departments to securely exchange and use data while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

The Chief Secretary will serve as the chairperson of the SDGC, with other members representing relevant areas of government. However, the committee will not take away the authority of individual departments over their data. The respective departments will retain control over decisions concerning what information can be shared.

The government has also emphasised that data-sharing mechanisms must be accompanied by adequate data security and privacy safeguards. The move is expected to provide a common framework for responsible data use while improving coordination and the delivery of government services across Andhra Pradesh.