Cabinet Approves ₹4,371 Crore VISTAR Scheme to Modernize India’s Statistical Ecosystem
New Delhi: In a major step towards strengthening data-driven governance and evidence-based policymaking, the Union Cabinet has approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research (VISTAR) scheme with a financial outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore.
The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), aims to overhaul India’s official statistical system by integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and end-to-end digital data collection processes.
The VISTAR scheme is aligned with the government’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and seeks to establish a modern, agile, and future-ready statistical framework capable of supporting policymaking at the national, state, and local levels.
Under the scheme, MoSPI will significantly expand its statistical operations.
The ministry plans to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared to 43 major surveys in the previous cycle.
The enhanced survey ecosystem is expected to bridge crucial data gaps and improve the availability of timely and reliable information.
The programme comprises three major components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS), and the Economic Census.
These initiatives are designed to improve data quality, strengthen statistical infrastructure, and enhance coordination between the Centre and states.
A key feature of the scheme is the integration of alternative data sources such as mobile phone records, e-commerce transactions, and scanner-based information alongside traditional survey methods.
This approach is expected to improve the accuracy and timeliness of official statistics while reducing the burden on respondents.
MoSPI also plans to introduce new economic indicators, including the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises, to provide a more comprehensive assessment of economic activity.
The proposed Economic Census will generate detailed information on non-farm establishments and workforce participation across the country.
Policymakers expect the exercise to offer valuable insights into India’s vast informal sector and support targeted developmental interventions.
Officials believe the VISTAR scheme will usher in a new era of data governance by enabling better policy formulation, monitoring, and evaluation, ultimately contributing to the country’s long-term development goals.
