It could not have been a coincidence, but the National Statistics Bureau launching its national strategy for the development of statistics, a day after the National Day, could help the country, especially policy makers, to live up to the priorities that the transformation of Bhutan demands.
The strategy aims to ensure that data and statistics are not only accessible but also effectively utilised to guide policymaking, planning, and service delivery. This is what was lacking even after recognising the importance of data or statistics to guide policy and decision making. Good planning can be done if there is a basis authenticated by facts and figures or what statisticians called evidence-based decision-making.
Development partners are now asking for reliable data before they make decisions. With initiatives like the Gelephu Mindfulness City targeting the whole of South East Asia and beyond, the demand for stats will only grow. Data, we know, is power,and it is important in a democracy. In the developed world, people not only look up for data, but demand for reliable data. It is a right. If the rest of Bhutan is to keep up with the initiatives in the GMC, statistics would be a sound basis for decision making and planning.
The national strategy focuses on five key performance indicators designed to address current gaps and elevate the quality and availability of data to support evidence-based decision-making. Gaps can be plugged only when we have the right information based on evidence. The demand for reliable data will only grow as the new priorities demand information. The supporters of the strategy aim at enhancing statistical systems in countries like Bhutan to provide reliable data and statistics to support sustainable development. Our development partners are demanding statistics and data.
At home, there is a growing demand for data, statistics, research, and market information. This will only grow because many have realised that those with access to date enjoyed the benefits in the past. After decades of planning and recognising the importance of statistics, the problem is not so much about the lack of data, but also about reliability, duplication, and redundant data.
Many blame the lack of networking among agencies and organisations responsible for generating data. This lack of co-ordination and communication results in conflicting data. For instance, what is the seating capacity of the national stadium where we celebrated the National Day a few days ago?
It is 10,000, 20,000 and 25,000 (including those sitting on the artificial turf). A correct data would help simple things like distributing the trozey bags or for seating management. Meanwhile, having data and access to data are two different things. Even if we have data, access, according to many, is restrictive. Researchers and the media who are after data are frustrated with bureaucratic procedures. Individuals have no access to data unless you have “permission” from the minister, secretary or the director. The lack of understanding the importance of sharing data is the biggest hurdle. In the absence of legislation empowering an independent central agency to ensure proper procedures for collection, processing, storage, and sharing, the national strategy could plug the gap.
In an information age, which we are riding on, the importance of data and statistics is crucial. The national strategy and the demand for data, hopefully will convince those with information to share and make the Bhutanese data-literate to make informed decisions, big or small.