Part 2/13:
The speaker begins by highlighting a stark reality: most NGOs in India operate with minimal or poor-quality data. Despite the country's vast population and a multitude of organizations working at the grassroots level, many NGOs do not systematically collect or digitize data. Instead, they rely on anecdotal case studies or basic records, primarily to satisfy donor requirements rather than to inform their programs.
A few large NGOs like Akshaya Patra or Antara have advanced data systems and employ data scientists, but they are exceptions rather than the norm. For the majority, data remains scattered, in paper files, or poorly maintained spreadsheets, which limits their ability to measure impact accurately or improve programs effectively.