Cabinet approves ₹4,371 crore VISTAR scheme to overhaul statistical system
The Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research will fund 59 surveys and the 8th Economic Census from 2026-27.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) scheme to overhaul India's statistical architecture at both Central and State levels. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Cabinet cleared the ₹4,371.10 crore central sector scheme for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31, according to reports by The Hindu and Business Standard.
The scheme is divided into three components: comprehensive statistical operations and strengthening of the ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS), and an Economic Census. Under the first component, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) proposes to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared to 43 major surveys conducted previously.
MoSPI aims to digitise statistical processes and embed Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning into regular workflows for data processing, validation, and analysis. The ministry will also mainstream alternate sources such as e-commerce data, scanners, and mobile phones to complement traditional surveys and reduce respondent burden.
Under the SSS component, the Centre will provide funds to State governments and Union Territories through a redesigned, deliverable-linked framework to build capacity for generating granular data at the district level. Additionally, MoSPI will conduct the 8th Economic Census in collaboration with States and Union Territories to obtain details of all non-farm establishments and workers down to the gram panchayat and ward levels.
The government stated that the VISTAR scheme is designed to establish a real-time and future-ready statistical architecture aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 objective. Prime Minister Modi noted on X that better data leads to better decisions and policies, highlighting the scheme's focus on micro-level data and the usage of technology and AI.