Assam cabinet approves new data policy, to set up nodal agency

The Assam State Cabinet has approved the Assam State Data Policy 2026, establishing a Centre for Data Management as the nodal agency for analytics and artificial intelligence in the state.

The Assam State Data Policy (ASDP) 2026 was approved by the state cabinet on Wednesday, paving the way for the creation of a Centre for Data Management (CDM) as the nodal agency for analytics and artificial intelligence in the state.

Announcing the decision after a cabinet meeting, Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora said the new policy would replace the Assam State Data Policy 2022.

''ASDP 2026 establishes the Centre for Data Management (CDM) as a nodal agency to execute a unified statewide repository for analytics and AI,'' he told reporters.

Bora said the policy mandates systematic sharing of data across government departments to improve governance, promote innovation and enhance citizen-centric services.

He said the policy also seeks to ensure compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, while laying down a clear framework for data governance in the state.

The cabinet also approved the draft address of the governor, which will be delivered during the first session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly on May 22.

The four-day assembly session is scheduled to be held from May 21 to May 26.