Assam Cabinet Approves New Data Policy to Enhance Governance

The Assam Cabinet has recently approved the Assam State Data Policy (ASDP) 2026, aimed at enhancing governance and service delivery through improved data management. This new policy will establish a centralized data repository and facilitate systematic data sharing among government departments. With a focus on integrating artificial intelligence into public administration, the initiative is expected to foster innovation and support evidence-based decision-making. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been a strong advocate for adopting emerging technologies, emphasizing their importance in improving efficiency and transparency within government operations. The strategic roadmap for AI integration is already in progress, promising significant advancements in citizen services and governance.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 09:10 IST

Introduction of Assam State Data Policy 2026

Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday

Guwahati, May 21: As the 16th session of the Assam Legislative Assembly commenced on May 21, the Cabinet convened on Wednesday to endorse the Assam State Data Policy (ASDP) for 2026. This initiative is designed to enhance governance and optimize service delivery throughout the state.

Cabinet Minister Atul Bora addressed the media following the meeting, highlighting that the new policy emphasizes organized data sharing among all government sectors.

“The State Cabinet has sanctioned the notification and execution of ASDP 2026, which replaces the previous Assam State Data Policy from 2022. This new policy establishes the Centre for Data Management (CDM) as the primary agency responsible for creating a cohesive, statewide data repository for analytics and artificial intelligence,” Bora explained.

The interim Parliamentary Affairs Minister noted that the main goal of this policy is to implement a state data catalogue within three years, which will facilitate access to essential datasets for both government entities and the public.

This initiative is anticipated to foster innovation, support data-driven decision-making, and promote citizen-focused governance, he added.

This development aligns with the government's larger strategy to incorporate AI into governance and public administration.

At the bureaucratic level, efforts to formulate a strategic plan for AI integration across various government departments are already underway.

Earlier this week, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota led a meeting of the Steering Committee on AI Adoption and Implementation to assess the progress of the state's digital governance projects.

“We reviewed the advancements made thus far, including an AI inventory that has identified 343 project ideas across over 50 departments, categorized into 11 thematic clusters,” Kota shared in a social media update after the meeting on Monday.

The meeting also addressed the proposed five-layer framework for AI adoption and stressed the need to expedite initiatives related to AI-driven citizen services, grievance resolution systems, and data governance.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently promoted the use of emerging technologies like AI and Machine Learning (ML), urging students in higher education to engage with sectors focused on innovation and technological progress.

In February 2026, Sarma announced intentions to implement AI-based systems across government departments to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability, while also improving project monitoring and execution processes.