VISTAR SCHEME: CABINET APPROVES STATISTICAL TRANSFORMATION PLAN

Why In News?

The Union Cabinet recently approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) scheme.

What Is The VISTAR Scheme?

The VISTAR Scheme (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research) is a central sector scheme, by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), to modernize the country's official statistical system. 

Aim

• Future-Ready Statistics: VISTAR aims to build a dynamic, real-time official statistics system.  

• Key Goals: It seeks better timeliness, more granular (detailed) data, and interoperable, harmonised and AI-ready datasets.  

• Duration: It covers the 16th Finance Commission cycle, FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.  

Background

• Builds On Earlier Scheme: MoSPI's earlier Capacity Development Scheme included sub-schemes such as Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) and the Economic Census, which now form parts of VISTAR. 

What Are The Components Of VISTAR?

Component 1: Comprehensive Statistical Operations And Ecosystem Strengthening

• More Surveys: MoSPI plans 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, up from 43 major surveys earlier.  

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• Digital And AI Integration: It will digitise statistical processes end to end and embed Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into regular work.  

• New Indicators: It plans new measures such as the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. 

Component 2: Support For Statistical Strengthening (SSS)

• Funds To States: The Centre will fund States and UTs to strengthen their statistical systems under a deliverable-linked framework.  

• Local Data: The focus is on producing high-quality data at district and other local levels, and using it in local policymaking. 

• Technical Support: MoSPI will help States produce district-level and million-plus city-level estimates from national surveys such as Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE). It will also help compile State and district GDP and State-level Index of Industrial Production (IIP).  

Component 3: Economic Census

• 8th Economic Census: MoSPI will conduct the 8th Economic Census with States and UTs.  

• Coverage: It will capture data on all non-farm establishments and their workers, down to gram panchayat and ward levels.  

What Are India's Key National Surveys?

About Indian Statistical System 

Key Institutions

• MoSPI: Formed in 1999, it is the nodal ministry for official statistics.  

• National Statistical Office (NSO): Formed in 2019 by merging the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).  

• National Statistical Commission (NSC): Set up in 2005 on the recommendation of the Rangarajan Commission (2001) to oversee statistical standards.  

Recent Reforms

• Faster Data: MoSPI has started releasing more frequent labour data, including monthly PLFS estimates.  

• Data Dissemination: The eSankhyiki portal, launched in 2024, provides easy access to official data.  

Legacy

• Founding Figure: P.C. Mahalanobis, founder of the Indian Statistical Institute, shaped India's statistical system. His birthday, 29 June, is observed as Statistics Day. 

What Are The Key Challenges?

Data Credibility

• Trust In Statistics: Delays or withholding of data can hurt public trust. 

• Example: The results of the Consumer Expenditure Survey 2017–18 were not released, citing data quality concerns. This left a long gap in official consumption and poverty data until the HCES 2022–23.  

Delays In Large Exercises

• Outdated Baselines: Delays in major data exercises leave policy relying on old numbers. 

• Example: India's decennial Census, due in 2021, was postponed and is now being conducted in 2027, so many estimates still rely on 2011 data. 

Weak State Capacity

• Uneven Systems: Many State statistical departments lack staff, skills and technology.

Privacy And AI Risks

• Data Protection: Using AI and linked datasets raises concerns about privacy and confidentiality under the DPDP Act, 2023.

What Is The Way Forward?

Strengthen Independence And Trust

• Statutory Backing: Give the National Statistical Commission statutory status to strengthen its independence. 

• Global Standards: Follow international principles of professional independence and transparency.  

• Example: The UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 2014, set global standards for impartial and transparent statistics.  

Build Capacity

• Train Staff: Train State and district officials in modern statistical and AI tools. 

• Use Administrative Data: Combine survey data with administrative data from GST, EPFO and other sources for faster estimates.  

Protect Privacy

• Safeguards: Anonymise data and follow strong privacy rules when using AI and linked datasets.  

Conclusion

VISTAR aims to turn India's statistical system into a real-time, AI-ready and locally detailed system that can guide policy towards Viksit Bharat 2047. Its success depends on credible, timely data, strong State capacity and robust privacy safeguards.

Source: NEWSONAIR