Additional Chief Secretary Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi formally inaugurated a two-day training program on "Research Methodology, Monitoring, and Evaluation Techniques" organized by the Planning and Development Department, Bihar, today. This training program is being organized on February 13th and 14th, 2026, in collaboration with the Anthropos India Foundation. The program aims to strengthen, modernize, and align the state's research, monitoring, and evaluation system with its results.

In her inaugural address, Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi stated that the proper use of scientific research methods is essential for the effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and objective evaluation of the state government's various welfare and developmental schemes. She emphasized that data-driven decision-making is the cornerstone of administrative efficiency today. Only through evidence-based policymaking can the actual impact of schemes be assessed and made more effective.

Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi shared personal experiences in her address, saying, "I have had a deep connection with anthropology since my school days. If I hadn't been in the civil service, I would be present among you today as an anthropologist." She emphasized that a deep understanding of society, culture, and ground realities is the key to the success of any development plan. The research methodology's purpose is not merely to collect data, but to make plans more effective by understanding social behavior, local needs, and community participation.

The training program, which began at 9:30 a.m., was actively attended by Principal Secretary of the Planning and Development Department, Mr. Mayank Varvade, Secretary of the Department, Mr. Kanwal Tanuj, Director of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics (DES), Mr. Ranjit Kumar, Joint Secretary of the Department, Mr. Ravish Kishore, Joint Director of the Directorate of Evaluation, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, District Statistical Officers (DSOs), Assistant Statistical Officers, and other relevant officials.

During the training, participants are being provided detailed information by experts on various aspects of research, including basic and advanced methods, sampling techniques, survey design, data quality assurance methods, statistical analysis, logical framework approach, identification of monitoring indicators, result-based management, and impact evaluation. Practical sessions, case studies, and group discussions are also being conducted to enable officials to effectively implement the training concepts in their work areas.

The program also highlighted the need to technically empower the monitoring and evaluation system from the state to the district level. The training will enhance officials' analytical abilities, report writing skills, and data interpretation skills, enabling realistic and timely review of project progress.

The Planning and Development Department of Bihar is continuously striving to make development plans in the state more transparent, accountable, and result-oriented. This training programme is a testimony to the same commitment of the department and such capacity building programmes will continue to be organised in the future as well.