The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Government of India is steadfastly implementing the National Geospatial Policy 2022 (NGP), demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development. This policy has significantly expanded access and usage of spatial data, rapidly improving citizen services and extending reach to the most remote corners of the country.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is leading the implementation of the NGP, launched in 2022. The DST has reformed the governance framework to liberalize geospatial data access and is continuously fortifying Geospatial Data Infrastructure and enterprise development. Emphasizing the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the policy enables local companies to generate and use their own Geospatial data, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness. It supports open standards, open data, and platforms.
DST Secretary Professor Abhay Karandikar highlighted the pivotal role of geospatial technologies in driving inclusion and progress, as emphasized by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at the UN World Geospatial International Congress. The liberalization of geospatial data access through NGP marks a significant transformation in the utilization of spatial data for public benefit.
Following the policy announcement, the governance framework under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has been streamlined. Requirements for prior approvals, security clearances, licenses, and other restrictions on Geospatial Data and Maps within India have been eliminated. The previous clearance system has been replaced with a self-certification approach, simplifying access.
To enhance data infrastructure and improve the availability of quality location data, the Survey of India (SoI) has launched a pan-India Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Network. Additionally, SoI has surveyed and mapped over 2.8 lakh villages using drones under the SVAMITVA Scheme, covering Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, and Karnataka.
The policy enables individuals, companies, and government agencies to process acquired geospatial data, build applications, and develop solutions. It also promotes open standards, data, and platforms, encouraging enterprise development and fostering a vibrant geospatial industry with active private sector participation.
The citizen-centric policy empowers local companies to generate and utilize their own geospatial data. It supports innovations by establishing incubation centers, industry accelerators, and Geospatial Technology Parks. The NGP aims to position India as a world leader in the global geospatial sector, creating an ecosystem conducive to innovation.
The National Geospatial Policy 2022 is a critical tool in supporting national development, economic prosperity, and a thriving information economy, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India.