UT constitutes SDGC to strengthen data sharing and digital governance

Committee has been tasked with aligning Ladakh’s data procedures, frameworks and policies with nationally prescribed standards and maintaining an inventory of State-owned datasets.

LEH: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh has constituted a State Data Governance Committee (SDGC) to promote integrated and interoperable government databases, streamline data sharing among departments and strengthen data-driven governance across the Union Territory.

The committee has been constituted under Order No. 388-LA(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department, following directions from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

The Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, will head the committee as Chairperson, while senior representatives from key departments, including Finance; Planning & Development; Agriculture, Horticulture & Floriculture; Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Health & Medical Education; Industries & Commerce; and School Education, have been designated as members.

A Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will also be part of the committee, while the Administrative Secretary/Secretary of the Information Technology Department, Ladakh, will serve as Member-Convenor. Senior representatives from industry and industry associations, besides other officers or experts nominated by the Chairperson, may participate as special invitees or co-opted members.

The newly constituted SDGC has been tasked with aligning Ladakh’s data procedures, frameworks and policies with nationally prescribed standards and maintaining an inventory of State-owned datasets.

One of its key responsibilities will be to facilitate seamless data sharing among government departments, while monitoring the adoption of common data standards and implementation of data-sharing mechanisms both within and outside the government.

The committee will also oversee mechanisms for consent-based sharing of data with private entities, wherever permissible, and assist government organisations in complying with applicable legal and policy frameworks governing data sharing.

The order specifically mandates the committee to support compliance with laws governing data sharing, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

The SDGC will additionally function as the first-level coordination and grievance-resolution mechanism for data-sharing issues and disputes within Ladakh. Matters that remain unresolved can be escalated to the National Data Governance Committee (NDGC) wherever required.

The constitution of the committee marks an important institutional step towards creating a more coordinated data ecosystem in Ladakh, with greater emphasis on interoperability, standardisation, responsible data sharing and legal compliance.

By bringing major administrative departments, MeitY and technology stakeholders within a common governance framework, the initiative is expected to provide an institutional mechanism for improving the availability and responsible use of government data for administration, planning and public-service delivery.