The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, approved the Assam State Data Policy (ASDP) 2026, which supersedes the 2022 version, and decided to establish a Centre for Data Management (CDM) as a nodal agency to create a unified statewide data repository for advanced analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Dispur.
This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive framework for data governance and digital administration, modernise law and administration, improve governance efficiency, and drive innovation across all government departments. The policy mandates systematic data sharing to enhance coordination and evidence-based decision-making.
What was announced
The Assam Cabinet formally approved the notification and implementation of the Assam State Data Policy (ASDP) 2026, replacing the earlier Assam State Data Policy 2022. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora, briefing the media after the meeting, said the new policy establishes the Centre for Data Management (CDM) as the nodal agency.
The CDM will be responsible for executing a unified statewide repository for analytics and AI, mandating systematic data sharing across all departments. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the policy will help departments share data more efficiently and support faster decision-making.
Why it matters
The Assam State Data Policy 2026 is expected to significantly impact governance and public service delivery by fostering a data-driven administration. The policy’s primary objective is to operationalise a state data catalogue within the next three years, enabling access to priority datasets for both government departments and citizens, according to Minister Atul Bora.
This move is anticipated to reduce paperwork and bureaucratic delays for citizens, who often submit the same documents multiple times for various government services such as ration cards, pensions, and scholarships. With an integrated platform, departments will be able to securely access verified records, streamlining approvals and improving efficiency.
The policy also aims to build a stronger “social registry” system to identify eligible beneficiaries more accurately, thereby enhancing the delivery of welfare schemes and reducing errors. Furthermore, integrated databases could prove crucial during natural disasters like floods, enabling authorities to identify affected families faster and coordinate relief efforts more effectively.
Officials believe the framework will support Assam’s ambition to become a digital economy hub in the Northeast by encouraging innovation, analytics, AI-driven governance, and technology investments. The policy ensures compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and defines a clear state-level data governance architecture, Chief Minister Sarma said.
Background
The approval of ASDP 2026 marks an evolution from the Assam State Data Policy 2022, reflecting the state government’s continuous push towards advanced digital governance. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has consistently advocated for the adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and Machine Learning (ML) to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in government departments.
In February 2026, Chief Minister Sarma had announced plans to introduce AI-based systems across government departments to strengthen project monitoring and implementation mechanisms. The state’s broader vision, “Viksit Assam 2047,” positions AI as a transformative force for public service delivery, infrastructure planning, agriculture, healthcare, education, and disaster management.
Assam has already undertaken several digital initiatives, including the Sewa Setu portal, Mission Bhumiputra for digital caste certificates, Mission Basundhara 2.0 for land record updates, and the e-office system for paperless bureaucracy. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has also chaired meetings of the Steering Committee on AI Adoption and Implementation to review progress on the state’s digital governance initiatives, identifying 343 project ideas across more than 50 departments.
The state has also explored partnerships, including one with Google Cloud, to establish an AI Centre of Excellence and launched the Assam AI-IT Policy 2025 to regulate and promote AI adoption.
Key details
The Assam State Data Policy 2026 establishes the Centre for Data Management (CDM) as the central nodal agency. The CDM will be tasked with creating and managing a unified statewide data repository. This repository will serve as the backbone for various analytics and AI applications, facilitating data-driven decision-making across all government functions.
The policy mandates structured data sharing among all government departments. This systematic approach aims to break down data silos and improve inter-departmental coordination. The CDM will draw inputs from guidelines and standards issued by the India Data Management Office (IDMO) for developing its own rules and standards.
A Chief Data Officer (CDO) will be appointed by the Government of Assam to lead the day-to-day implementation of the State Data Policy. The CDO will be responsible for data management, governance, and effective data utilisation, including leading cross-department analytics initiatives and ensuring data quality.
Compliance monitoring of the ASDP will be conducted every six months. An independent Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) will also be carried out annually to identify and minimise risks associated with the collection and processing of personal data, ensuring citizen privacy.
A key target of the policy is to operationalise a state data catalogue within three years, making priority datasets accessible to departments and citizens. This catalogue is expected to boost AI solutions for evidence-based decision-making and enhanced citizen services.
What’s next
With the approval of the Assam State Data Policy 2026, the government will now proceed with its notification and implementation. The immediate focus will be on establishing the Centre for Data Management (CDM) and appointing a Chief Data Officer to oversee the policy’s rollout.
The state aims to operationalise a comprehensive state data catalogue within the next three years, which will be crucial for enabling data access and driving innovation. This period will also see continued efforts to integrate AI-based systems across various government departments, aligning with Assam’s broader digital transformation agenda.