The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the 'Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR)' Scheme with an outlay of Rs.4,371.10 crore. The scheme includes three components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations, Support for Statistical Strengthening, and Economic Census.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the ‘Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR)’ Scheme for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs.4,371.10 crore.
Aligned with the central objective of Viksit Bharat 2047, the VISTAR Scheme is designed to establish a dynamic, real-time and future-ready official statistical architecture for enhanced timeliness, data granularity, interoperability with harmonised and AI ready datasets.
The VISTAR scheme will provide the strategic flexibility to dynamically allocate resources based on immediate policy needs, fostering a holistic approach to large-scale survey execution, methodological research, digital transformation, and national data governance.
Under the Comprehensive Statistical Operations component, MoSPI proposes conducting 59 surveys during the 16th FC cycle, as compared to 43 major surveys conducted previously. This is expected to fill up critical data gaps in various sectors, thereby improving decision-making and enabling timely and targeted policy interventions.
MoSPI will also focus on the end-to-end digitalization of statistical processes and embedding Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into regular workflows for data processing, validation, and analysis. New metrices such as the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises are planned to be released.
Under the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) component, funds will be provided to State/UT Governments for transforming the statistical capabilities of States and Union Territories. This aims to build state-level capacity to generate high-quality, granular data at the district and other disaggregated levels, develop indigenous data processing capabilities, and embed data use cases into localized policymaking.
Under the Economic Census (EC) component, MoSPI will undertake the 8th Economic Census in collaboration with the States / UTs which will provide granular data and activity details of all the non – farm establishments and workers hired, therein, upto Gram Panchayat and Ward level.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
