The Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India is an initiative by the Government of India established under the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP). OGDP is developed and hosted by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. 

The Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India, accessible at data.gov.in, is an initiative by the Government of India established under the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP). This platform, developed and hosted by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, is a centralised portal for public access to a wealth of government data in formats that are easy to read and utilise. 

The Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India was created under Pillar 6 of the Digital India initiative, “Information for All”. The OGD platform was made to ensure government data is shared openly and efficiently, making it available for public use across areas like health, education, finance, and governance.

The primary aim of the Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India is to facilitate seamless access to government-owned shareable data in both human-readable and machine-readable forms. This proactive approach aligns with the Government of India’s broader objective of enhancing data transparency and public engagement under existing policies, Acts, and rules.

The content on the Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India is centrally managed by a Project Management Unit (PMU), ensuring consistency and adherence to quality standards. The platform’s entire product code is also available for public download on GitHub, promoting transparency and the use of open-source technology.

Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India: Historical background

The Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India was developed as a result of the Indo-US Open Government Dialogue in 2010, where President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced their commitment to promoting open data initiatives. The collaboration led to the development of the OGD Platform India, modelled after the U.S. government’s data.gov portal. While the U.S. platform served as the foundational model, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) further customised it to align with India's NDSAP and meet the specific needs of the country’s governance and public access to data.

The platform was developed using an Open Source Stack, showing the Government of India’s focus on transparency and working together on development. The OGD platform was not just a national project; it was built with help from the U.S. Government, showing a shared focus on open data and global teamwork.

The OGD Platform India also has value beyond India. Understanding that open data can support growth and new ideas, the platform was made available as an open-source product. This allows other countries to use, adapt, and apply the OGD platform to their needs, supporting open governance worldwide.

Since it started, the Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India has grown to include a wide range of government data, serving citizens, researchers, businesses, and policymakers. The platform has supported data-based projects, research, and informed decision-making, both in India and around the world, making it an example for open data projects globally.

Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India: Key features

The Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India operates through an integrated Drupal-based Content Framework, encompassing four primary modules that ensure seamless data management and user engagement:

Key features Include:

  • Data Contribution: Ministries, departments, and states publish resources through a workflow-based Data Management System, either directly or via web services.
  • Single Window Access: The platform acts as a central repository, providing access to datasets and applications from various government entities.
  • User Interaction: Citizens can submit suggestions for specific data needs, endorse existing suggestions, and directly contact Chief Data Officers for clarifications.
  • Visualisation Tools: The platform includes tools for creating maps and various charts, such as bar, line, radar, and pie charts.
  • API Access: Developers can access datasets dynamically through API services for building innovative solutions.
  • Update Alerts: Users can subscribe to receive alerts for updates to specific data catalogues.
  • Community Portal: The separate Community Portal facilitates knowledge sharing through blogs, infographics, and discussions.
  • Event Management Portal: The Event Portal is used to organise workshops, hackathons, and data challenges.
  • Rating System: Users can rate datasets on quality, accessibility, and usability on a scale of one to five.
  • SaaS Model: The platform also offers a Software as a Service (SaaS) instance, enabling states and other organisations to create their own open data portals.
  • Custom Widgets: Users can create widgets for sharing filtered datasets across various sectors or departments.

Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India: Data and resources

The platform offers access to a vast repository of data and related resources contributed by various ministries and departments. These resources are available in the form of datasets, apps, APIs, and visualisations, which can be filtered and explored by sector, domain, and type. As of recent updates, some key sectoral indices include:

  • Health and Family Welfare: Over 324,000 resources and 124,000+ APIs.
  • Census and Surveys: More than 36,000 resources and over 25,000 APIs.
  • Education: Approximately 16,000 resources with 13,000+ APIs and related services.

Each dataset is grouped under a relevant catalogue, making it easier for users to navigate and find specific data types. These datasets often include metadata for easier understanding and application.

The OGD platform not only focuses on volume but also the value of data. High-value datasets are particularly highlighted to ensure that crucial information is readily available to stakeholders who need it. Examples of such datasets include:

  • Production, consumption, and export data of steel.
  • Indian petroleum and natural gas statistics.
  • Financial progress reports like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) data.

These datasets are regularly updated, ensuring that users have access to the latest and most relevant information.

The OGD platform also supports various open-source projects and repositories that contribute to the overall development of data tools. Some notable repositories include:

  • CSV-to-API: A proof of concept that generates RESTful APIs from static CSV files.
  • DB-to-API: Converts databases into secure, RESTful APIs.
  • ESRI2Open: An ESRI toolbox that exports feature classes to open data formats such as CSV, JSON, and GeoJSON.

Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India initiatives

The OGD Community Portal is a hub for data enthusiasts to engage with one another, share insights, and contribute visualisations, blog posts, and infographics. This community-driven approach helps users brainstorm and exchange ideas based on their interests, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.

Various initiatives, such as hackathons and app challenges, have been organised to foster developer participation. Notable events include:

  • ‘12th Plan Hackathon’
  • ‘In Pursuit of an Idea’
  • ‘CMA Hackathon’
  • ‘#OpenDataApps Challenge’ (in collaboration with NASSCOM)
  • ‘Code for Honor 2014’ (launched with Microsoft)

Since its launch, the OGD Platform has made significant strides:

  • Over 20 workshops have been organised for Chief Data Officers (CDOs) to facilitate data management practices.
  • The development and release of various mobile apps based on OGD data.
  • The publication of the book Data-Driven Decision Making, available for download, provides insights into case studies and best practices.
  • The launch of state-specific data portals using the OGD SaaS model, such as those for Sikkim and the Surat Municipal Corporation.

Open Government Data Platform India: Applications and Use Cases

The Open Government Data Platform India serves a multitude of applications:

  • Research and Development: Facilitate data access for academic and commercial research.
  • Policy Making: Assists policymakers in creating informed and data-backed decisions.
  • Business Insights: Supports businesses in market analysis, forecasting, and strategic planning.
  • Public Awareness and Education: Enhances public knowledge and involvement in national development projects.

How to access and use the OGD Platform?

Accessing and using data on the Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India is designed to be simple and user-friendly, enabling individuals, researchers, developers, and organisations to utilise government data effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating and leveraging the resources available on the platform:

1. Browsing Data Catalogues

  • The OGD Platform offers a vast array of data catalogues across various sectors, including health, education, finance, agriculture, and more.
  • Users can browse by sector, ministry, or state department to locate specific data relevant to their needs.
  • Each catalogue contains datasets organised by themes, making it easy to explore data specific to particular sectors or government agencies.

2. Filtering and Searching for Specific Data

  • The platform includes advanced filtering options that allow users to refine their search by keywords, data types, and resource categories.
  • Users can search for data using specific criteria, such as sector, resource type, or date of the last update, helping them locate the most relevant and up-to-date information.

3. Downloading Data

  • Once users locate the data they need, the platform allows them to download datasets directly in various formats, such as CSV, JSON, and XML.
  • This feature is especially useful for analysts and researchers who need raw data for further analysis, modelling, or reporting.

4. Subscribing to Data Catalogues

  • Users can subscribe to specific catalogues to receive updates whenever new datasets or information are added. This subscription feature ensures that users remain informed about the latest data releases in their areas of interest.

5. Using APIs for Data Integration

  • For developers, the OGD Platform provides a suite of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), allowing them to integrate data into their own applications or systems.
  • APIs enable real-time access to data, meaning that developers can create dynamic applications that fetch data from the OGD platform as it is updated.
  • This capability supports the development of tools, dashboards, and applications that rely on government data, making it easier for businesses, research institutes, and developers to use data in innovative ways.

6. Creating Visualisations

  • The OGD platform includes tools for creating data visualisations, allowing users to convert complex datasets into understandable graphs, charts, and infographics.
  • This feature is beneficial for those who want to present data in an accessible format for reports, presentations, or public outreach.

7. Engaging with the OGD Community

  • The platform features an OGD Community section where users can share visualisations, infographics, blog posts, and insights based on the data. This collaborative space promotes discussions, ideas, and knowledge-sharing among data enthusiasts.
  • Community contributions provide fresh perspectives on data usage and encourage public engagement with government data.

8. Suggesting New Datasets

  • Users can also suggest new datasets that they would like to see published on the platform. This option allows the public to participate in shaping the available data and ensures the platform meets evolving user needs.

9. Sectoral Indices and Infographics

  • Sectoral indices provide summaries of data across sectors like health, education, and water resources, presenting an overview of available resources, APIs, and infographics.
  • Users can explore sector-specific indices to get a snapshot of the data landscape within their area of interest.

10. High-Value Datasets

  • The OGD platform highlights certain datasets as high-value for their potential to drive impact, innovation, and research. Users interested in widely applicable or critical data can explore these high-value datasets for insights into key areas like public health, infrastructure, and economic data.

11. Accessing GitHub Repositories

  • The platform’s source code is available on GitHub, along with other projects and tools related to data processing and API integration. Developers can explore these repositories to understand how the platform operates or to adopt similar features for their own projects.

The future of data management with OGD Platform

The Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India is continuously evolving, with ongoing efforts to expand its database, incorporate more user-friendly features, and enhance data accessibility. As part of its commitment to innovation, the platform aims to keep pace with emerging technologies, integrating advanced data visualisation tools and automated feedback mechanisms to further improve user experience.

Looking ahead, the OGD Platform plans to introduce more interactive community features, encouraging greater collaboration and sharing of insights among users. There are also discussions about integrating AI-driven analytics tools to help users interpret data more effectively and make informed decisions. By embracing these enhancements, the platform will continue to serve as a vital resource for promoting transparency, supporting research, and driving data-driven solutions in various sectors.