5

Feb

Modi Govt and Data: A  troubled and uncomfortable relationship?

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A close-up of a person with glasses Description automatically generatedThe exact number of deaths at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on 29 January this year may never be known, as governments, especially the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, often avoid acknowledging reality. A true Yogi would be transparent, but his government is trying to conceal the figures, fearing electoral repercussions.

Today’s political leaders largely prefer half-truths, falsehoods, and outright denials. The NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in power since 2014, is no exception. It avoids collecting data, and when data is available, it hesitates to share it publicly, favouring manipulation over transparency.

The Importance of  Data  is widely recognized as the new wealth of the 21st century. In 2006, British mathematician Clive Humby likened data to oil, emphasizing its potential to drive the economy. However, like crude oil, data needs refining—raw data is of little use unless processed for meaningful insights. In business, data-driven insights enable customer retention, targeted advertising, and new revenue models. Hence, companies acquire personal data from various sources, often violating privacy rights.

Manipulation of Economic Data Shortly after coming to power, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley changed the base year for GDP calculations to make the previous UPA government’s performance look weaker. In 2018, the government released revised GDP estimates showing lower growth rates for the UPA years (2005-2012) than earlier calculations. Unlike previous practices, this revision was conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Niti Aayog instead of the independent National Statistical Commission (NSC), undermining transparency.

 

Column at a Glance
The article critiques the Uttar Pradesh government's lack of transparency regarding the number of deaths at the Mahakumbh festival and broader data suppression under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's NDA government. It argues that the administration avoids acknowledging uncomfortable truths, fearing electoral backlash.
Wednesday Wisdom
By Satish Misra
The piece highlights the importance of data in the modern economy, likening it to oil, and discusses how the government manipulates economic data to present a favorable image, such as altering GDP calculations and downplaying the impact of demonetization. Additionally, it notes the government's rejection of the WHO's COVID-19 death estimates and the delay in conducting a census, which hampers effective policymaking. Overall, the article portrays a governance style characterized by ambiguity and a reluctance to provide accurate data, undermining both domestic policy and international credibility.

 

Demonetization in 2016 severely impacted the economy, and data manipulation helped project a more favourable image of the NDA government. The lack of reliable data makes it difficult to assess the real economic impact of such policies.

COVID-19 Deaths and Data Suppression

The true number of COVID-19 deaths in India remains unknown, as the government rejected the WHO’s estimate of 4.7 million deaths. While it dismissed the WHO’s methodology, it did not present an alternative estimate. This approach fits a broader pattern of rejecting unflattering global assessments, such as rankings on poverty, media freedom, and democracy. Instead of addressing these concerns, the government labels such reports as anti-India propaganda.

Delayed Census and Caste Data

The last decadal census was in 2011, and although postponed due to COVID-19, there is no clarity on when the next will be conducted. Without updated census data, planning and implementing government schemes effectively is challenging. The Congress has demanded a caste census, but the NDA government has avoided it. Without precise demographic data, policymaking remains ineffective.

The "No Data Available"  Government

The NDA government’s reluctance to collect or disclose data reflects a broader governance issue. Whether it is economic performance, COVID-19 deaths, or caste demographics, the administration prefers ambiguity over accountability. In an era where data drives decision-making and global credibility, this data-averse approach undermines both domestic policy effectiveness and international reputation.

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