VISTAR Scheme Gets Rs 4,371 Crore Cabinet Nod
Five-year initiative aims to modernise India's statistical system through AI-ready data, expanded surveys and the 8th Economic Census
- Cabinet approves Rs 4,371.10 crore for the VISTAR Scheme.
- MoSPI plans 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle.
- AI, machine learning and alternative data sources to be integrated.
- 8th Economic Census to cover non-farm establishments nationwide.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Nov: The Union Cabinet has approved the VISTAR Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 4,371.10 crore for FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, to modernise India’s official statistical system and strengthen data-based policymaking.
The scheme, approved under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to establish a dynamic, real-time and future-ready statistical architecture aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It will focus on improving data availability, detail, interoperability and the development of harmonised, AI-ready datasets.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will implement the initiative through three components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS), and the Economic Census.
Under the first component, MoSPI plans to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared with 43 major surveys conducted previously. The expanded exercise is expected to address data gaps across sectors and support more timely policy interventions.
The ministry will also work towards digitising statistical processes and integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into data processing, validation and analysis. New statistical indicators, including the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises, are also planned.
The initiative will promote the use of alternative data sources, including mobile phone, scanner and e-commerce data, to complement traditional surveys, reduce the burden on respondents and improve data coverage. It will also support data harmonisation, privacy-focused sharing and capacity building through student internships and research opportunities.
The Support for Statistical Strengthening component will provide funds to State and Union Territory governments through a redesigned, deliverable-linked framework known as SSS 2.0. It aims to improve the availability of granular data at district and other local levels and strengthen state-level data processing capabilities.
MoSPI will also provide technical support for district-level and million-plus city estimates under major surveys, including the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE). Support will also cover State and District Domestic Product estimates and the State-level Index of Industrial Production.
The third component will cover the 8th Economic Census, to be conducted in partnership with State and Union Territory governments. It will collect detailed information on non-farm establishments and their workers up to the Gram Panchayat and ward levels.
The census will help assess the unorganised sector and provide the baseline for developing a National Statistical Business Register. The register is expected to support targeted enterprise surveys and policy interventions, while improving estimates of the unorganised sector’s contribution to India’s Gross Domestic Product.
