13-May-2022: NITI Aayog Launches the National Data & Analytics Platform

NITI Aayog launched the National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP) for open public use today. The platform aims to democratize access to public government data by making data accessible, interoperable, interactive, and available on a user-friendly platform. It hosts foundational datasets from various government agencies, presents them coherently, and provides tools for analytics and visualization. This public launch follows a beta release of the platform in August 2021 that had provided access to a limited number of users for testing and feedback.

NDAP follows a use-case based approach to ensure that the datasets hosted on the platform are tailored to the needs of data users from government, academia, journalism, civil society, and the private sector. All datasets are standardized to a common schema, which makes it easy to merge datasets and do cross-sectoral analysis.

The platform was launched by Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, in the presence of Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog; Dr. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India; and other senior officials from NITI Aayog, various ministries and state governments, academics and researchers.

Mr. Suman Bery moderated a panel discussion around the topic, “Interoperability: leveraging the power of systems, datasets, and agencies working together.” Mr. Bery said “The main value that NDAP adds is making key foundational datasets interoperable with each other. This will enable easy cross-sectoral analysis and democratize the use of Indian government data.” The panel comprised experts from government, academia, and civil society. Winners of a research competition held by NDAP were given certificates and mementos at the event.

Mr. Amitabh Kant said, “The rise of data and digital technologies are rapidly transforming economies and societies, with enormous implications for governments’ daily operations. NDAP is a critical milestone – which aims to aid India’s progress by promoting data-driven disclosure, decision making and ensuring availability of data connecting till the last mile, is an example to how the power of data can be leveraged.”

Senior Adviser Ms. Anna Roy, who has led this initiative, said, “India has a rich data ecosystem which generates data that is invaluable for decision making and research. NDAP is adding to these efforts to further strengthen the data ecosystem. We will continue to add and update the data on the platform to ensure that it remains useful.”

NDAP can be accessed at http://ndap.niti.gov.in and all datasets on the platform can be downloaded and merged freely.

23-Jan-2020: NITI Aayog Releases Its Vision for the National Data and Analytics Platform

NITI Aayog released its vision for the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP). The platform aims to democratize access to publicly available government data. It will host the latest datasets from various government websites, present them coherently, and provide tools for analytics and visualization. NDAP will follow a user-centric approach and will enable data access in a simple and intuitive portal tailored to the needs of a variety of stakeholders.

NDAP will spearhead the standardization of formats in which data is presented across sectors and will cater to a wide audience of policymakers, researchers, innovators, data scientists, journalists and citizens.

The vision document was released by Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, in the presence of Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog, senior officials from various ministries and state governments, academics and researchers.

In his opening remarks, Dr Rajiv Kumar said, ‘India has made tremendous progress in generating and using data for policymaking and programme implementation. It is now time to build on these efforts to further strengthen the data ecosystem. I am certain that NDAP, with its mission to be a one-stop and user-friendly data platform, will go a long way in transforming India’s data ecosystem.’

Mr. Amitabh Kant explained the context for the development of NDAP, ‘NITI Aayog has always promoted and championed the use of data in all spheres of governance. It is therefore natural that NITI Aayog takes the lead in providing the nation with a simple and compelling platform where various datasets can be accessed together. This has been a longstanding gap in the data ecosystem, which NITI Aayog is now seeking to try and address.’

Senior Adviser Anna Roy, who is leading this initiative within NITI Aayog, expounded the need for NDAP: ‘We are seeking to address three main gaps. One, all datasets are not published in a user-centric manner that is analyzable and visually presented. Two, there are a multitude of datasets out there that is not easily accessible. The NDAP proposes a simple, interactive, visual, and robust platform that will host various Central and state government datasets.’

An inter-ministerial committee will oversee the progress of the development of platform and a group of leading experts have been inducted into an advisory group to provide technical guidance for the development of the platform. The success of the endeavour is dependent on the cooperation and support of various stakeholders.

The development of NDAP will take place over a period of one year. The first version of the platform is expected to be launched in 2021. The process will follow a user-centric approach, and will incorporate feedback received from various users and stakeholders throughout the course of its development.

11-Apr-2022: Awareness campaign launches by PCRA to spread the message of Fuel Conservation and Energy Efficiency

‘Saksham’, an annual people-centric mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, was launched today by Sh. Pankaj Jain, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Chairman-PCRA. The campaign will continue till 30th April 2022, with the tagline “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav through Green & Clean Energy / हरित और स्वच्छ ऊर्जा अपनाएं, आजादी का अमृत महोत्सव मनाएं”. It is a flagship public awareness campaign to spread the message of Fuel Conservation and Energy Efficiency and help in building a cleaner and greener India and also reduce its reliance on crude oil imports.

The event started with the conservation messages of Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep S Puri and Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas & Labour and Employment Shri Rameswar Teli. It was followed by the Administration of Oil & Gas Conservation Pledge by Sh. Pankaj Jain, Secretary MoP&NG.

Sh. Jain during his keynote address emphasized the importance of fuel conservation and highlighted the need for such highly focussed program like Saksham. He exhorted everyone to embrace “Fuel conservation Mantra” in their day-to-day life. On this occasion, Sh. Pankaj Jain also flagged-off the publicity vans of PCRA, the fuel conservation messages on wheels, equipped with audio, video and print displays to attract and spread the conservation awareness especially amongst the rural masses. During the event, Energy Efficiency Index for LPG Plants was formally launched and a booklet on this was released.

On this occasion various awards were also presented to the LPG Plants having the best EEI (Energy Efficiency Index), Industries for the best implementation of the Energy Audit Recommendations by PCRA, various State Govts, Oil & Gas PSUs for their exemplary works in the fields of fuel conservation. Various STUs (State Transport Undertakings) were also awarded for fuel efficiency.

Numerous programs and activities all over the country have been planned by PCRA in association with upstream/downstream Oil & Gas Public Sector companies during ‘Saksham-2022’. Various programs like organizing Saksham Cyclothons in 300 cities all over India, Saksham Walkathon at all district HQs, CNG Car/Auto Rally in 25 cities, E-Vehicle Rally at 4 metros, Seminars on various topics under clean and green energy, Campaigns on Fuel Conservation in Schools/Colleges/Public places, Fuel Efficient Driving Contests for Cars/L&MCVs/HDVs, Promoting efficient and safe use of LPG through LPG Panchayats, Training of LPG delivery boys on LPG saving tips, Group Talk at Retail Outlets & CNG Stations, Agriculture workshops and Campaigns for Farmers, Workshops/Group Talks for STUs/ Fleet Operators (Organised/ Unorganised Sector), Nationwide campaign through Radio, TV etc. will be conducted with a focus on reaching out to various segments of fuel users. PCRA is going to utilize the social media platforms for various customized campaigns through Facebook, twitter, Instagram & You tube platform.

16-Jan-2021: PCRA launches month-long mass awareness campaign ‘SAKSHAM’ to spread awareness about ‘Green and Clean Energy’

With a view to create awareness among the consumers of fossil fuels, Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas today launched a month long campaign, highlighting the adverse health and environmental impacts of increasing carbon footprints. The Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Chairman, PCRA Shri Tarun Kapoor launched the campaign here today. ‘SAKSHAM’s idea is to convince consumers to switch to cleaner fuels and bring in behavioral change to use fossil fuel intelligently.

The campaign through various pan-India activities such as cyclothon, farmer workshops, seminars, painting competition, CNG vehicle driving contest, etc. will spread awareness among masses about the advantages of using clean fuels. The campaign will also spread awareness about 7 key drivers that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently mentioned, saying that collectively these would help India move towards cleaner energy.

The key drivers include moving towards a gas-based economy, cleaner use of fossil fuels, greater reliance on domestic sources to drive bio-fuels, achieving renewable targets with the set deadlines, increased use of electric vehicles to decarbonize mobility, increased use of cleaner fuels like Hydrogen, and digital innovation across all energy systems.

Shri Tarun Kapoor, speaking on the occasion, lauded the energy companies for taking steps in adopting fuel conservation measures as well as diversifying into the clean and green energy ventures. He said that the Saksham like initiatives help in reducing fuel consumption and adoption of energy efficiency measures which lead to better lives of the people, healthy environment, sustainability and development of the country. Shri Kapoor said that the theme of this year’s campaign not only focuses on conserving fossil fuels but also on promoting green energy. He said all the energy companies are now part of the transition to fuels which are clean and leave very less carbon footprint. Shri Kapoor stressed upon the need for energy conservation as India's energy demand grows and called on for leveraging technologies and digital innovation to achieve the twin goals of energy efficiency and sustainability as we move forward.

The secretary administered the pledge of Oil and Gas Conservation. He gave away awards for exemplary work in Oil & Gas Conservation by State Governments and Oil Companies and also awarded STUs for KMPL improvement. He also presented Award for the “Best performance in PAT Cycle-II for Refineries.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between PCRA and EESL for promotion of Energy Efficient PNG Stove on the occasion.

Last year's edition of SAKSHAM saw over 1.48 crore school children participating in PCRA's flagship National Competitions that were organized to disseminate important message of fuel conservation energy efficiency and environment protection amongst youngsters. In the month-long event, almost nine crore people were directly reached through about forty-seven thousand programmes across the country. Over the years PCRA has been at the forefront of promoting energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors and have been working towards sensitizing citizens about the need to adopt cleaner and greener forms of energy.

16-Jan-2019: Saksham 2019, annual event of PCRA, launched

‘Saksham’, an annual high intensity one-month long people-centric mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was launched by Sh. Rajiv Bansal, Addl. Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Various interactive programs and activities are being planned by PCRA, Public Sector upstream/downstream Oil & Gas companies during the month long ‘Saksham-2019’. ‘Saksham’ Cycle Day in 200 cities, Cyclothons, Short Film making contest on MyGov, Workshops for drivers of commercial vehicles, Seminars for housewives/cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measure, Nationwide campaign through Radio, TV, Digital Cinemas, Outdoor media etc. will be conducted, with a focus on reaching out to various segments of fuel users. PCRA is going to utilize the social media platforms for various customized campaigns through Facebook, twitter, MyGov platform.

On the occasion, a comic book developed by PCRA jointly with NCERT for the children on various tips and day to day aspects of fuel conservation and a short animation film for children covering domestic and transport sector were released. Prizes were given for the ‘Saksham’ National Competition-2018 to the winners of Essay and Painting competitions which has seen a phenomenal record participation of more than 82 Lakhs students from schools of all education boards of the country. The prizes include Singapore Study tour, Laptops, Tablets & Cash prizes to motivate the budding generation of our country for their critical role in understating and spreading the awareness about fuel conservation. The paintings of the children reaching finals were displayed on the occasion. The awards were also presented to the oil companies and state govts. for their exemplary work in the fields of fuel conservation Sh. Rajiv Bansal also flagged-off the publicity vans of PCRA, the fuel conservation messengers on wheels, equipped with audio, video and print displays to attract and spread the conservation awareness especially amongst the rural masses.

12-Jan-2018: Saksham-2018

‘Saksham 2018’, a vigorous and high intensity one-month long people-centric mega campaign of Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been launched on 16th January in an inaugural function held in Delhi. 

The PCRA Saksham National Essay and Painting competition-2017 has been a big hit amongst the school children with about 40 Lakh students from across schools of all education boards of the country participating in it. The prizes were given away in the function to the winners of PCRA Saksham National Essay and Painting competition-2017, which includes Singapore Study tour, Laptops, Tablets & cash prizes to encourage children in their efforts in the area of fuel conservation. The dignitaries were amazed to see the innovations, skill and thoughts depicted in the paintings of the children reaching finals displayed in the exhibition.

The National Quiz competition finals are going to be held during this Saksham-2018, wherein students from 31 states shall be vying for the National Title.

The awards were presented to the oil companies for their exemplary work towards the national cause of fuel conservation.

The publicity vans of PCRA, the messengers on wheels were flagged-off covering various cities to spread conservation awareness especially amongst the rural masses.

Under the able guidance of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, various interactive programs and activities are being run by public sector upstream/downstream Oil & Gas companies during the month long ‘Saksham-2018’ like organizing Cyclothons in various cities, workshops for drivers of commercial vehicles, seminars for housewives/cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measure, nationwide campaign through Radio, TV, Digital Cinemas, Outdoor etc. The focus of ‘Saksham’ is to reach out to various segments viz., School children, Youths, Housewives, Heavy vehicle drivers, Car owners, Mechanics, Fleet Operators, Industries, Farmers, Pump-attendants, LPG delivery boys, Residential Societies, Anganwadis, Gram Panchayats etc. for their involvement and adoption. An exhaustive campaign through social media has also started utilizing all the available option like various customized campaigns including interactive contests through Facebook, twitter, MyGov platform, campaign through Radio, TV, Digital Cinema, Print etc. across the country. One of the biggest achievements of programs under ‘Saksham’ has been organizing Cyclothons in 76 cities and further plans to conduct the Cyclothons in another 600 cities across the country and thus making it as a movement towards fuel conservation and healthy life for the people. PCRA plans to observe Cycle Day on 21st January throughout the country & organizing Cyclothon event at Indore, Bhubaneswar, Mumbai etc. to spread the message of fuel conservation, reduction of vehicular emission by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow.

The quality of the programmes under ‘Saksham’ is going to leave a positive and lasting impressions in the minds of masses and set the stage for providing fresh impetus to the efforts made for fuel conservation in the country.

14-Jan-2017: Month long awareness programme “Saksham - 2017” from 16th January, 2017

A month long awareness programme “Saksham – 2017” will be inaugurated on 16th January, 2017 at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.

Saksham - 2017 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav) is aimed to create awareness amongst masses towards judicious utilization and conservation of petroleum products along with use of energy efficient appliances and switching to cleaner fuels. The programme is being organized by PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association) and other Oil & Gas PSUs under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

During one-month long drive, workshops will be held for drivers of commercial vehicles and housewives, cooks on adopting simple fuel saving measures.  Saksham - 2017 is aimed to educate on various steps for fuel conservation through activities like Quiz Show, Saksham Asian Cycling Championship, Walkathons, concerts and other activities across the country.

National school winners of essay and painting competitions will also be given awards during the inauguration which includes visit to Japan for children, laptops & cash prizes to encourage children for continuing their efforts and enhancing their knowledge on energy conservation.