Data is essential for effective governance – it helps make informed decisions, tracks progress, and holds authorities accountable. But what happens when the government stops sharing data? From census delays since 2011 to missing statistics on crime, education, health, and more, an IndiaSpend investigation reveals that at least 16 critical datasets and nine union ministry annual reports have been held over, some for several years.

In this episode, Pooja Prasanna explains how this data vacuum affects policymaking, public safety, education, health planning, and more.

Watch.

In times of misinformation and propaganda, you need news you can trust. We’ve got you covered. Subscribe to Newslaundry and The News Minute, and get quality journalism that is truly in public interest. Click here.