A two-day National Capacity Building Workshop on SDG Monitoring Framework, Environmental Accounting, and Gender Statistics was inaugurated today in Patna. The workshop is being organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, in collaboration with the Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This workshop is being held for the first time in Bihar, marking a significant milestone for the state. The national-level workshop has participation from around 20 States and Union Territories, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, exchange of experiences, and dissemination of best practices.

The workshop aims to strengthen the SDG monitoring framework, ensure effective tracking of indicator-based progress, and enhance the statistical capacity of States. Special emphasis is being laid on identification of data gaps, improving data quality, and integration of administrative and survey-based data systems to support evidence-based policymaking.

The workshop also focuses on localization of SDGs, aligning global goals with State, district, and local-level planning processes to ensure that development is targeted, inclusive, and context-specific.

Further, emphasis is being placed on Environmental Accounting (Green/Natural Resource Accounting) to assess the use and sustainability of natural resources and to promote a balanced approach between development and environmental conservation.

In addition, strengthening of Gender Statistics is being highlighted to better capture gender disparities and support the formulation of gender-responsive and inclusive policies.

The inaugural session was addressed by the following dignitaries:

Hon’ble Minister, Planning & Development Department, Bihar – Shri Bijendra Prasad Yadav

“Accurate, reliable, and timely data are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This workshop is an important step towards strengthening data-driven governance and making policymaking more effective and outcome-oriented.”

Chief Secretary, Bihar – Shri Pratyaya Amrit

“Quality data form the foundation of effective policymaking. To achieve the SDG principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’, it is essential to strengthen our data systems and ensure inclusive development reaching the last mile.”

Secretary, MoSPI, Government of India – Dr. Saurabh Garg

“Effective monitoring of SDG indicators requires robust statistical systems, improved data quality, and strong inter-state collaboration. This workshop will play a crucial role in advancing these objectives.”

Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Development Department, Bihar – Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi

“Bihar has prioritized SDG localization by developing monitoring mechanisms down to the district level. Identifying data gaps, strengthening gender-sensitive statistics, and integrating environmental accounting into policymaking are key focus areas for the State.”

Director General (Central Statistics), MoSPI – Shri N.K. Santoshi

“Statistics form the backbone of policymaking. Strengthening institutional capacity of States is essential for accurate tracking and reporting of SDG indicators.”

Resident Representative, UNDP India – Dr. Angela Lusigi

“Achieving the SDGs requires a strong convergence of data, partnerships, and innovation. Strengthened data systems in areas such as environmental accounting and gender statistics will ensure that development is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. UNDP remains committed to supporting these efforts.”

Additionally, Shri S.C. Malik (Additional Director General, Social Statistics, MoSPI) emphasized the need to strengthen the SDG indicator framework, data validation, and reporting mechanisms.

The workshop features technical sessions on:

1. SDG indicator tracking and monitoring framework

2. Data quality improvement and gap identification

3. Environmental accounting

4. Gender statistics

5. Sharing of best practices among States

On this occasion, publications of MoSPI and the Planning & Development Department, Government of Bihar were also released.

This workshop is expected to significantly strengthen inter-state collaboration and knowledge sharing, and will serve as an important step towards achieving the SDGs in India. It also reflects Bihar’s growing institutional capacity and its commitment towards data-driven governance, especially as this is the first national-level workshop of its kind being hosted in the State.