On October 14, 2026, NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub published a Data Centre Evaluation Framework that directs the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to establish a centralized audit mechanism to periodically inspect data centre claims. The framework also mandates each Indian state to publish a State-wise Data Centre Approval Matrix detailing required clearances, issuing authorities, and timelines, aiming to streamline data centre project approvals.
The framework, described as guidance rather than regulation, tasks MeitY as the nodal ministry despite the ministry stating it does not maintain official data on data centre capacities. The document relies on secondary data sources and emphasizes governance by assigning conditions to responsible entities and tracking their delivery. States are expected to publish matrices listing every clearance a data centre project needs, who issues it, and the expected timeframes to facilitate transparency and coordination.
This initiative addresses the fragmented approval processes that have challenged data centre development across states. By standardizing approval matrices and instituting audits, the framework seeks to improve governance and accountability in the sector. The move aligns with India’s broader push to boost digital infrastructure and attract investments in data centres, a critical component for cloud services and digital economy growth.
The framework’s Pillar 5, titled “Policy, Governance and Implementation,” summarizes the governance approach as assigning conditions to responsible entities and tracking their delivery. The next step involves states publishing their approval matrices as per the framework’s guidelines, which will be key to assessing the framework’s impact on data centre project facilitation across India.