The NDAP was launched by the NITI Aayog in 2022 to streamline access to published government data and facilitate evidence-based policymaking. The NDAP provides on a single platform datasets that are standardised, interoperable, searchable and usable by a wide range of users including policymakers, researchers, civil society and the private sector.
The Aayog is looking for a private sector entity or a consultant to design, build, operate and transfer the platform under the public-private partnership to be selected under a competitive bidding process after the three-year term of the current operator, Object Technology Solutions India, comes to an end in April. It has invited requests for proposal for upgradation of the platform.
“NDAP presently lacks in presenting advanced data analytical features, including the necessary processing capability, preventing policymakers from conducting statistical analysis, executing models, or simulating policy outcomes directly,” the Aayog said.
Niti to focus on strengthening analytics as functionality limited to basic visualisation
According to the Aayog, the NDAP’s “analytics” functionality is limited to basic visualisation, forcing users to download data and use external tools for comprehensive analysis.
“It also has limitations on accessibility by non-sophisticated data users with no capability of ingesting huge quantum of government data in the form of reports and documents,” it said.
The Aayog itself undertook a proof of concept (POC) to add an advanced analytical layer on the NDAP with capabilities such as large-scale data ingestion, specialised data pipelines and core platform features, including the “Drafting Studio” for AI-assisted writing and one-click citations.
It wants the private entity to build on the proof of concept to develop the NDAP in accordance with global best practices.