An attempt to simplify the processes of assessing the quality of data from the perspective of improved planning and tracking of feasible Millennium Development Goal (MDG) indicators at the district level have been worked out after a review of development data generated by various national flagship programmes in two districts each in Karnataka and Rajasthan with good and not so good data systems in the country.The present guide is an outcome of this study and the approaches proposed in the guide are pragmatic and can be easily comprehended by statistical officers through self-reading and a quick orientation.