VISTAR Scheme: Cabinet Approves ₹4,371 Crore to Modernise India’s Statistical System

VISTAR Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR)’ Scheme.

About VISTAR Scheme

• VISTAR (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research) 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.
• Time Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31

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Components of the VISTAR scheme

• Component 1: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of India (MoSPI) proposes conducting 59 surveys during the 16th FC cycle, as compared to 43 major surveys conducted previously,
  • It will focus on the end-to-end digitalization of statistical processes and embedding Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into regular workflows.
  • It is planning to release new metrices, including the Headline Index of Services Production, the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises.
• Component 2: Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS)
  • Under this component, the Centre will provide funds to State governments to help transform the statistical capabilities of States and Union Territories through a redesigned, deliverable-linked framework.
  • The vision focuses on building state-level capacity to generate high-quality, granular data at the district and other disaggregated levels, developing indigenous data processing capabilities, and embedding data use cases into localized policymaking.
  • MoSPI will provide technical support to scale up generation of district-level estimates and million-plus city level estimates in flagship national surveys (e.g., PLFS, HCES, ASUSE) as well as in compilation of State/District level GDP and State level IIP.
• Component 3: Economic Census (EC)
  • MoSPI will undertake the 8th Economic Census (EC) in collaboration with the States and Union Territories in order to obtain granular data and activity details of all the non-farm establishments and workers hired down to the gram panchayat and ward levels

Source: PIB