VISTAR scheme

Posted on November 5th, 2026 Last modified on November 5th, 2026 Comments

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News: The Union Cabinet has approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research (VISTAR) scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.

About VISTAR scheme

VISTAR scheme — Source: TH

Aspects	Details
About	Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research (VISTAR) scheme is a central sector scheme designed to establish a dynamic, real-time and future-ready official statistical architecture.
Duration	It is for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Budget	Total financial outlay is of Rs 4,371.10 crore.
Aim	It aims to modernise India’s official statistical system by improving data timeliness, accuracy, granularity and interoperability while integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics into statistical processes.
Nodal Ministry	The nodal ministry for the scheme is Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The initiative will cover statistical and data management activities of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), providing flexibility to allocate resources according to evolving policy requirements.
Focus	It will focus on strengthening large-scale surveys, statistical research, digital transformation and national data governance to support evidence-based policymaking.
Components of the Scheme	The scheme comprises three major components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem: 59 surveys will be conducted during the 16th Finance Commission cycle to address critical data gaps across sectors and support more timely and targeted policy interventions. End-to-end digitisation of statistical processes will be done and AI and machine learning will be integrated into routine operations, particularly for data processing, validation and analysis. There is also plan to introduce new statistical indicators, including the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Financial assistance will be provided to State and Union Territory Governments through a redesigned, deliverable-linked framework called SSS 2.0 to strengthen statistical capabilities at state and district levels. MoSPI will provide technical assistance for generating district-level and million-plus-city estimates under major surveys, including PLFS, HCES and ASUSE, and support the preparation of state- and district-level GDP and state-level IIP estimates. The initiative will improve data harmonisation, interoperability, data sharing and privacy protection to reduce data fragmentation and duplication and promote evidence-based policymaking. It will also encourage the use of alternative data sources, such as mobile phone, scanner and e-commerce data, to supplement traditional surveys. The scheme will promote capacity-building and research through student internships and research projects involving academic and research institutions. Economic Census (EC) Under the Economic Census component, MoSPI will conduct the eighth Economic Census in collaboration with states and Union Territories. The exercise will collect detailed information on non-farm establishments and their workers down to the Gram Panchayat and ward levels, providing a comprehensive assessment of the country’s unorganised economic sector. The census data will also serve as the foundation for developing a National Statistical Business Register (SBR), which will facilitate targeted enterprise surveys and support policy interventions. The data generated through the Economic Census will help policymakers and planners at national and sub-national levels better assess economic activity, particularly in the unorganised sector, and improve estimates of its contribution to GDP.

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