Page 69 - PDI_Report

Data collection Tools Frequency of Data collection

The most important for this is an exhaustive instruction manual Data collection should include regular updation of data. The
along with Training and Capacity building. The Manual would frequency of updation could be monthly, quarterly, half-yearly
need to define the indicator, metadata, various critical or annually based on what indicator is involved. Though data
parameters such as cut-off date or reference period of which the may be collected real time by Ministry in the portal, whether it
data needs to be collected, concerned field official to be is to be drawn into the use of Gram Panchayat on real time basis
contacted, validation process, etc. These instructions need to be or monthly, quarterly, etc., are parts of the further data transfer
circulated among all the concerned stakeholders, across decisions to be taken. Purpose for the use of the data needs
administrative hierarchies in the form of a PDI Data Collection attention while doing this, rather than flooding data into GPs
booklet for reference and training purposes. Till APIs are view, just because it is available real time. For example, ANC
through and where only field level data is the source, the field registration, FHTC provided, Toilets constructed, are
level data collector will primarily be tasked with collecting data necessarily to be seen by GPs more frequently than Road
from various concerned line agencies at various levels such as works, or Transition Rate. It is important to provide data on
Gram Panchayat, Block, etc. as per identified availability of select indicators on monthly basis, select on quarterly/half
data. The field level officials of respective line agencies, such as yearly/yearly and on all annually.
Anganwadi workers, Self-help group members, Veterinarians,
Data collection reference period is to be considered in some
etc., need to be also given access to the data collection systems.
indicators also in a continuous manner as these are assessments
for each and every day. Functional toilet, availability of
drinking water, street lights etc., Whether these are measured
through a random check system, complaints received and
rectified, general opinion in a survey etc., (for e.g. depending on
whether it pertains to public toilet/school toilet), different
methods for data collection can be used. Here GPs can
These data collection systems can either be in the form of hard
introduce innovative methods, that could become models to
copies of forms or digitized formats in the shape of a mobile
follow.
application or web portal.. To ensure ease in data collection
process, all data points pertaining to the PDI framework shall be Value for Data Collection
classified based on their parent or Source agency. In case the Data collection is not to be treated as an exercise to be done
data collector or field level official prefers to opt for digital for free by the Gram Panchayat. It
media of data capturing, necessary information may be recorded is not possible , nor fair, to expect
through a Graphic User Interface (GUI) based mobile that data to be collected at GP level
application designed for handheld devices such as smartphones will be done for free by the youth in
and tablets. With the added advantage of portability of a the village/SHG/any others. Value
handheld device, supporting of asset-based information, for for data collection and involvement
example in indicators like infrastructure, geo-tagging and in the process, access of data to the
images can be uploaded. GP, and utilising it for the various
purposes leading to achieving the set targets, would be taken
Data collection reference period is to be considered more seriously and done regularly with payment. Systemically,
in some indicators also in a continuous manner as Data Entry Operators are paid under various schemes, SHGs
these are assessments for each and every day collecting data under MA and for VPRP also are paid. Survey

introduce innovative methods

PDI Committee Report - 2023: Data 43