Odisha signs MoU with J-PAL South Asia for evidence-based policymaking
The three-year partnership aims to support the state's development goals under the Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047 frameworks.
The Odisha Government entered into a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia on Wednesday. According to Odisha Bytes, the agreement seeks to bolster research-driven policy development to meet the state's objectives for Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047.
Under this collaboration, J-PAL South Asia will assist various state departments in identifying policy challenges, conducting rigorous research, and creating actionable recommendations. The partnership intends to support the state's goals of becoming 'Samruddha Odisha' by 2036 and 'Viksit Odisha' by 2047.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the state aims to achieve Viksit Odisha as part of Viksit Bharat. Garg noted the importance of using research institutions to pilot innovations and adopt data and artificial intelligence-based interventions.
Garg identified three primary roles for J-PAL: providing global evidence for state priorities, adapting approaches to local requirements, and testing data-based solutions before they are scaled up.
J-PAL South Asia Executive Director Shobhini Mukerji said the state has been a pioneer in using evidence for policy. She stated the partnership would help integrate global research into local priorities and scale effective interventions.
A Steering Committee led by the Chief Secretary will oversee the partnership and meet every six months. The agreement builds on J-PAL South Asia's work in Odisha since 2006 in sectors including agriculture, sanitation, and education.