The National Data Governance Framework Policy (NDGFP) is a proposed framework by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India. It was introduced to standardize and regulate how non-personal and anonymized data is collected, stored, shared, and utilized for governance, research, and innovation. The framework aims to unlock the value of data while ensuring trust, security, and privacy.
The NDGFP replaces the earlier India Data Accessibility and Use Policy, which was withdrawn due to public concerns. The new draft was released in May 2022 and has since undergone several consultations. As of early 2024, it remained under the process of finalization.
Why was the NDGFP Introduced?
The Indian government recognized that data has become the new resource for driving economic growth, public service delivery, and research. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, structured and accessible datasets are essential. However, India lacked a clear framework to manage non-personal data effectively. The NDGFP was introduced with the following vision:
- Promote research and innovation: Provide startups, researchers, and academic institutions with anonymized datasets.
- Improve governance: Enable evidence-based decision-making in policymaking and public service delivery.
- Protect privacy: Ensure that only anonymized and non-personal data is shared.
- Standardize data management: Develop uniform rules for data storage, access, and sharing across ministries and departments.
What are the Objectives of the NDGFP?
The key objectives include:
- Accelerating Digital Governance: Empowering government departments with data-driven decision-making tools to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
- Promoting Research & Innovation: Creating an AI and data-led ecosystem where startups and researchers can use government datasets for innovation.
- Standardizing Data Management: Establishing uniform standards and protocols for data management across different levels of government.
- Ensuring Data Security and Privacy: Implementing strict guidelines for anonymization and safe sharing of data to maintain public trust.
What are the Key Components of the Proposed Policy?
The NDGFP framework is structured around four main components:
| Component | Details |
| India Datasets Program | – National repository of anonymized, non-personal datasets collected by government entities. – Datasets made available to startups, researchers, and innovators. – Private companies encouraged to contribute anonymized datasets. |
| Indian Data Office (IDO) | – Central body responsible for coordinating and overseeing data sharing. – Consolidates protocols, standards, and ensures compliance. – Acts as the nodal agency for the India Datasets Program. |
| Data Management Units (DMUs) | – Each ministry and department will establish a DMU. – DMUs will manage non-personal data. – They will work with the IDO to improve accessibility. |
| Indian Data Council (IDC) | – Apex body to finalize standards and frameworks for important datasets. – Responsible for reviewing and monitoring policy implementation. |
What was the India Data Accessibility and Use Policy?
Before the NDGFP, the government had introduced the India Data Accessibility and Use Policy. It proposed selling anonymized and value-added datasets in the open market for an appropriate price. However, it was criticized because:
- It was introduced before the enactment of a data protection law in India.
- Concerns were raised about monetization of public data.
- It created trust issues regarding how citizens’ data would be used.
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What are the Major Provisions of the NDGFP?
Some key provisions include:
- No Selling of Data: Unlike the old policy, the NDGFP does not allow selling of government data in the open market.
- Controlled Access: Only anonymized, non-personal data will be shared.
- Encouragement of State Governments: While mandatory for central government departments, states are encouraged to adopt the policy voluntarily.
- Anonymization Standards: Clear rules for anonymization will be prescribed by the Indian Data Management Office.
- Secure Platforms: All data sharing will take place only through designated and secure platforms.
What is Non Personal Data?
The details about the non-personal data are as follows:
- Non-personal data is any dataset that does not include personally identifiable information (PII).
- It cannot be used to identify an individual.
- Examples: weather statistics, traffic flow data, anonymized census data, and agricultural yield statistics.
- The idea of harnessing non-personal data was first suggested by a government committee led by Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys.
What are the Challenges with the New Draft?
Although NDGFP is a step forward, it faces several challenges:
- Lack of clarity: The structure and composition of the Indian Data Management Office (IDMO) is still unclear.
- Voluntary private sector participation: Companies may hesitate to share data due to competition and intellectual property concerns.
- IPR issues: Ownership of datasets, especially when private firms are involved, can create conflicts.
- Data quality concerns: Ensuring accuracy and standardization across different datasets is challenging.
- Implementation barriers: Training government departments and ensuring compliance may take time.
What is the Current Status of the Policy?
The current status of the NDGFP are as follows:
- May 2022: The draft NDGFP was released for public consultation.
- 2023: Feedback was collected from stakeholders including industry leaders, researchers, and civil society groups.
- Early 2024: The policy was still under finalization by MeitY.
Once finalized, the NDGFP will apply to all central government ministries and departments. States will be encouraged to implement the same.
Why is the NDGFP Important for India?
The NDGFP is important for India because:
- Boosts AI and digital economy: Provides startups and innovators with datasets to develop AI-based solutions.
- Improves governance: Enables better policy formulation and efficient service delivery.
- Protects citizens’ rights: Ensures privacy by restricting access only to anonymized, non-personal data.
- Strengthens transparency: Builds public trust by avoiding monetization of government data.
- Encourages collaboration: Facilitates partnerships between government, academia, and industry.
Key Takeaway
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Name | National Data Governance Framework Policy (NDGFP) |
| Introduced By | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) |
| First Draft Released | May 2022 |
| Replaces | India Data Accessibility and Use Policy |
| Key Focus | Anonymized, non-personal datasets |
| Main Bodies | India Datasets Program, Indian Data Office, Data Management Units, Indian Data Council |
| Objective | To improve governance, promote research, and ensure privacy |
| Status (as of 2024) | Under finalization |
Questions Based on National Data Governance Framework Policy (NDGFP)
Q1. The NDGFP has been introduced by which ministry?
- a) Ministry of Finance
- b) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
- c) Ministry of Science and Technology
- d) Ministry of Home Affairs
- e) None of the above
Q2. Which earlier policy did the NDGFP replace?
- a) Digital India Policy
- b) India Data Accessibility and Use Policy
- c) Data Protection Bill
- d) IT Rules Policy
- e) None of the above
Q3. What type of data will be shared under NDGFP?
- a) Personal data
- b) Sensitive personal data
- c) Non-personal and anonymized data
- d) Health records
- e) Banking details
Q4. Who chaired the government committee that proposed harnessing non-personal data?
- a) Nandan Nilekani
- b) Kris Gopalakrishnan
- c) Raghuram Rajan
- d) Arvind Subramanian
- e) None of the above
Q5. What is the India Datasets Program?
- a) A platform for selling personal data
- b) A repository of anonymized non-personal data
- c) A private data exchange system
- d) A cybersecurity framework
- e) None of the above
Q6. Which body will prescribe rules and standards for anonymization?
- a) Indian Data Council
- b) Indian Data Office
- c) Data Management Units
- d) NITI Aayog
- e) None of the above
Q7. Which of the following is not a key component of NDGFP?
- a) Indian Data Office
- b) Indian Data Council
- c) Digital India Authority
- d) Data Management Units
- e) India Datasets Program
Q8. When was the draft NDGFP released?
- a) March 2021
- b) May 2022
- c) January 2020
- d) June 2023
- e) None of the above
Q9. Which is a major challenge of NDGFP?
- a) Monetization of data
- b) Lack of clarity on IDMO composition
- c) Absence of digital economy
- d) Lack of AI startups
- e) None of the above
Q10. What is the primary difference between the scrapped policy and NDGFP?
- a) NDGFP allows sale of data
- b) NDGFP restricts sharing to anonymized data only
- c) NDGFP covers personal data
- d) NDGFP excludes non-personal data
- e) None of the above
Also Read:
Answer Key
| Question | Answer |
| Q1 | Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Q2 | India Data Accessibility and Use Policy |
| Q3 | Non-personal and anonymized data |
| Q4 | Kris Gopalakrishnan |
| Q5 | A repository of anonymized non-personal data |
| Q6 | Indian Data Office |
| Q7 | Digital India Authority |
| Q8 | May 2022 |
| Q9 | Lack of clarity on IDMO composition |
| Q10 | NDGFP restricts sharing to anonymized data only |
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