The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved a State Data Policy that aims to transform how data is used across departments and improve transparency, efficiency, and decision-making in public service delivery. Designed to support data-driven governance, the policy will also significantly ease the burden of data collection on rural frontline workers such as Anganwadi workers and Krushi Sahayaks.
A State Data Authority will be set up under the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA), with a Chief Data Officer leading the initiative. This authority will ensure that government departments share and use data in a unified, efficient, and secure manner. The goal is to integrate datasets, reduce duplication, promote interoperability among departments, and support consistent data usage across all government layers.
Enabling Seamless, Reliable, and Transparent Data Sharing
The State Data Policy brings a uniform structure to data usage and sharing among various departments and agencies. All data generated by government bodies or authorised entities — including private organisations mandated to share data — will fall under its scope. By ensuring that each dataset includes metadata and is catalogued in a predefined format, Maharashtra plans to enable more accurate analytics and smarter policy decisions.
This initiative will streamline processes that have traditionally relied on manual data collection. Instead of field workers repeatedly collecting the same data, government departments will now leverage digital systems like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Aadhaar-linked programmes to access consistent and updated information.
This shift will allow civil servants, Anganwadi workers, and agricultural assistants to spend less time on paperwork and more on their primary roles, improving service delivery in rural and urban areas alike.
Backed by MahaSTRIDE and World Bank Support
The implementation of the policy will be carried out under the MahaSTRIDE programme, supported by the World Bank. MahaSTRIDE is aimed at strengthening institutional capacity in districts and improving the state’s overall data ecosystem to enable inclusive economic growth.
According to the government, high-quality, accessible data will act as the backbone for better governance indicators, helping track public service delivery, monitor scheme implementation, and improve administrative efficiency.
The Chief Secretary-led Governing Committee will function as the apex policy body, guiding interdepartmental data governance and ensuring that public access to datasets is meaningful and responsible.
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What This Means for MSMEs and Local Stakeholders
For MSMEs and startups, the State Data Policy could open new avenues for innovation in data analytics, digital platforms, and govtech solutions. As datasets become more accessible and consistent, private enterprises working with government departments can design better-informed tools and services.
Moreover, by reducing the time and resources spent on manual data collection, local authorities and workers can now focus on implementation efficiency, which in turn can improve outcomes in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and rural development.
With the foundation laid for a more reliable and intelligent data framework, Maharashtra is positioning itself to lead in digital public infrastructure while ensuring the benefits of good gover