Cabinet approves ₹4,371-crore VISTAR scheme to overhaul India's statistical system
The Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research will fund 59 surveys from FY27 to FY31 to fill data gaps.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR), a ₹4,371.10-crore central sector scheme to overhaul India's official statistical system. Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme will cover the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) survey, data, and economic census work from 2026-27 to 2030-31, according to Business Standard.
The scheme aims to establish a dynamic, real-time, and future-ready statistical architecture with enhanced timeliness, data granularity, and AI-ready datasets. It consists of three components: comprehensive statistical operations and ecosystem strengthening, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) for states, and the Economic Census.
Under the first component, MoSPI plans to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, up from 43 major surveys previously conducted. The ministry will digitise processes and embed artificial intelligence and machine learning into data processing, validation, and analysis. It also intends to use alternative sources like mobile phones, scanners, and e-commerce data to complement traditional surveys.
The SSS component will provide deliverable-linked funds to states and Union Territories to build capacity for generating granular data at district and city levels. Additionally, the 8th Economic Census will be conducted with states to count all non-farm establishments and workers down to the gram panchayat and ward levels to help estimate the unorganised sector's share of GDP.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the scheme will revamp the country's entire statistical system and give it new strength. He noted that the programme would include new types of surveys and periodic assessments to ensure decisions are made on the basis of thorough investigation and analysis.