- The task of developing a school based statistical system was initiated
by NIEPA during 1995 with the financial assistance from UNICEF. In
tune with the spirit of DPEP, the district was selected as a nodal
point for collection, computerization, analysis and use of school level data.
The system was later on extended to state and the national level. The state
level EMIS cells coordinate the activities of the districts.
- NIEPA professionals with the involvement of other experts designed
and developed the core data capture formats. Accordingly, NIEPA
designed a software for implementation at the district level and
provided the necessary technical and professional support to DPEP
districts. A first version of the software named as District Information
System for Education (DISE) was released during the middle of 1995.
The district level professionals were assisted in the establishment of
EMIS units, trained in the data collection, computerization and analysis
using DISE. A major emphasis was on user orientation in the use of educational
and allied data for planning, management, monitoring and feedback on the DPEP interventions.
- In addition to the DISE, many additional mechanisms for data validation and quality control of school
statistics were also introduced. First, a 5-10% validation check is undertaken
in all districts immediately after data collection. Second, the software provides
for many consistency and validation checks. Third, a national survey is conducted
every 2-3 years to establish the quality and reliability of DISE data. The second
post enumeration validation survey is in progress now. Fourth, the reverse flow
of data has been strengthened to ensure transparency and dissemination of data
up to the school level. These types of validation measures and transparency of
data has resulted in considerable improvement in the quality of data collection and reporting.
|