VISTAR Scheme 2026: Cabinet Approves ₹4,371 Crore to Modernise India’s Statistical System

Why in News?

• On 4 November 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) Scheme.
• The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore for five years, from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.

Key Facts at a Glance

Objectives of the VISTAR Scheme

1. Statistical Modernisation: Develop a dynamic, technology-driven and future-ready national statistical system.
2. Timely Data Availability: Improve the frequency, accuracy and accessibility of official statistics.
3. Digital Transformation: Integrate AI, ML and automated data-processing technologies.
4. Data Integration: Improve interoperability and harmonisation across statistical databases.
5. Strengthening Local Statistics: Expand district-level and city-level statistical information.
6. Evidence-Based Governance: Support policy formulation, monitoring and resource allocation using reliable data.

Three Major Components of the VISTAR Scheme

Key Features of the VISTAR Scheme

1. Expansion of National Statistical Surveys

• MoSPI proposes to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared with 43 major surveys conducted previously.
• The expanded survey programme aims to address critical information gaps across different sectors.
• It will improve the availability of reliable statistical evidence for government programmes and policy decisions.

2. Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• AI and ML will be incorporated into regular statistical workflows, particularly data processing, validation and analysis.
• End-to-end digitalisation will help modernise data collection, processing and dissemination.
• The initiative aims to develop harmonised, machine-readable and AI-ready statistical datasets.

3. Introduction of New Statistical Indicators

MoSPI plans to introduce new indicators to improve the measurement of economic activities.

These indicators are proposed under the scheme and should not be treated as already operational.

4. Use of Alternative Data Sources

• Traditional surveys will be complemented by alternative sources, including mobile phone data, retail scanner data and e-commerce information.
• These sources can help address information gaps and reduce the burden on survey respondents.
• Data harmonisation, interoperability, sharing protocols and privacy-by-design principles will support more secure and integrated statistical systems.

5. Strengthening State and District-Level Statistics

• Under SSS 2.0, States and Union Territories will receive financial assistance through a redesigned, deliverable-linked framework.
• MoSPI will provide technical support to expand estimates at district level and for cities with populations of at least one million.
• The initiative will also strengthen the compilation of State and District GDP estimates and State-level Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data.

6. Capacity Building and Research

• The scheme will provide internship opportunities for students.
• Academic and research institutions will be encouraged to submit research proposals.
• These measures aim to strengthen statistical research, technical expertise and institutional capacity.

Major National Surveys Covered Under VISTAR

8th Economic Census under VISTAR

• MoSPI will conduct the 8th Economic Census in collaboration with States and Union Territories.
• The exercise will collect information about non-farm establishments, their economic activities and workers employed.
• Data collection will extend to Gram Panchayat and municipal ward levels.
• The census will support the assessment of India's unorganised economic sector.
• It will also provide the foundation for developing a National Statistical Business Register (SBR), facilitating targeted enterprise surveys.
• The findings are expected to improve estimates of the unorganised sector's contribution to GDP. 

Significance of the VISTAR Scheme

• Evidence-Based Policymaking: Reliable and timely statistics will help governments formulate and evaluate development policies.
• Economic Planning: Improved economic indicators will support better assessment of growth, employment and industrial activities.
• Strengthening Cooperative Federalism: Financial and technical support will enhance the statistical capabilities of States and Union Territories.
• Local-Level Development: District-level and city-level information will facilitate targeted development programmes.
• Digital Governance: AI-enabled processing and integrated datasets will improve administrative efficiency.
• Viksit Bharat 2047: Modern statistical infrastructure will strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of India's long-term development objectives.

Challenges

• Data Privacy and Security: Greater use of alternative data sources may create risks relating to personal information and data protection.
• Digital Infrastructure Gaps: Differences in technological capacity among States may affect implementation.
• Data Quality: Integrating conventional surveys with digital and alternative datasets requires careful validation.
• Institutional Coordination: Effective implementation will require cooperation between central agencies, States and statistical institutions.
• Skill Requirements: AI-driven statistical systems require trained professionals and continuous technical capacity building.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Data Governance: Establish robust data protection, transparency and accountability mechanisms.
• Improve State Capacity: Provide sustained training, financial assistance and digital infrastructure support.
• Ensure Statistical Reliability: Maintain scientific methodology, independent validation and quality-control standards.
• Promote Interoperability: Develop common data standards and efficient data-sharing arrangements.
• Encourage Research: Expand collaboration with universities, research institutions and statistical experts.
• Monitor Implementation: Evaluate progress through measurable indicators, regular assessments and institutional reviews.

Conclusion

The VISTAR Scheme represents a major initiative to modernise India's official statistical system through digital transformation, AI integration and expanded statistical surveys. By strengthening state-level statistical capabilities and improving economic data collection, the scheme can support more accurate, transparent and evidence-based policymaking. Its effective implementation will be important for strengthening India's statistical infrastructure and advancing the objectives of Viksit Bharat 2047.

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