Odisha signs three-year pact with J-PAL South Asia for policymaking
The agreement aims to use research and data to support the state's development goals for 2036 and 2047.
The Government of Odisha signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia on Wednesday. According to ANI, the partnership seeks to improve evidence-based policymaking across various state departments.
Under the agreement, J-PAL South Asia will assist departments in spotting key policy issues, producing thorough research, and turning those findings into practical suggestions for government action. This collaboration supports the state's objectives to become Samruddha Odisha by 2036 and Viksit Odisha by 2047.
The MoU was signed by Rashmi Kabi, FA-cum-Additional Secretary of the Planning & Convergence Department, and Shobhini Mukerji, Executive Director of J-PAL South Asia. Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh were also present.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg stated that the state intends to engage research institutions to pilot innovations and use data and artificial intelligence in line with global practices. She noted that J-PAL South Asia will help bring global evidence to the state, adapt methods to local requirements, and test solutions before they are scaled up.
A Steering Committee led by the Chief Secretary will oversee the partnership and meet every six months to review proposals. The collaboration builds on J-PAL South Asia's work in Odisha since 2006, which includes initiatives like the Barnali gender-equity curriculum used in approximately 23,000 government schools.