Parliament Question: Steps taken for improvement of statistical data systems

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION RAJYA SABHА UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2716 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 16.03.2026 STEPS TAKEN FOR IMPROVEMENT OF STATISTICAL DATA SYSTEMS 2716. Dr. AJEET MADHAVRAO GOPCHADE: Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has examined and acted upon the suggestions/ representations received for infusing greater efficiency, reliability, and accountability in the country’s statistical data systems; (b) whether international best practices and relevant foreign laws in this field have been studied and, if so, the key measures identified for improving the accuracy and credibility of statistical data; (c) the details of steps taken to ensure collection of reliable statistical data and systematic correction and updation of inaccurate data; and (d) the details of measures initiated to strengthen accountability mechanisms in Government data collection and dissemination processes? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION, MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CULTURE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH) (a) The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) regularly examines suggestions/feedback received from stakeholders including Ministries/Departments, academia, data users, etc. and incorporates them, wherever found appropriate, to enhance efficiency, reliability, and accountability of statistical data systems. (b) MoSPI examines global statistical standards and best practices for its suitability in Indian context and possible adoption/adaptation in Indian statistical system, while undertaking measures to improve accuracy, transparency and credibility of statistical data. These, inter-alia, include adoption of the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (UNFPOS) in May 2016, to promote good practices and professional ethics in production and dissemination of Official Statistics in the country. Other initiatives include adoption of Classification of IndividualConsumption According to Purpose (COICOP) - 2018 Framework in the new series of Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on 12.02.2026 with 2024 as new base (from earlier base of 2012) and release of National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 aligned with International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) Revision 5 in November, 2025. In alignment with national and international best practices, MoSPI has also undertaken comprehensive data harmonization/ standardization initiatives which inter-alia include introduction of the Statistical Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) and alignment with national and international classification standards. SQAF which is based on the UN National Quality Assurance Framework (UN NQAF) 2019, provides a comprehensive framework to infuse greater efficiency, reliability and accountability. The underlying concepts and methodology of National Accounts is aligned with United Nations System of National Accounts, 2008. Moreover, CPI and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) follow the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS) of International Monetary Fund (IMF). (c) Some of the steps taken by the Ministry to ensure reliable statistical data collection include development of digital platforms, such as, Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) integrated with e-SIGMA platform incorporating in-built validation checks, AI-enabled chatbots, and multilingual interfaces etc., for data collection of National Sample Surveys (NSS). Use of such digital platforms ensure consistency at the stage of data collection and facilitate real-time submission and validation of survey data. Further, the practice of physical scrutiny and inspection by higher-level officers is continuously undertaken as per fixed norms along with regular training for field staff to ensure the quality of the data collected. MoSPI also supports State/ UTs to enhance their capacity building through its Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Sub-Scheme which aims to improve/strengthen the statistical capacity and operations of the state statistical system for collecting, compiling and disseminating reliable official statistics at sub-state level. (d) MoSPI has initiated several measures to strengthen accountability in data collection and dissemination, including placing Advance Release Calendar (ARC) of its statistical products on the Ministry’s website. Data dissemination and accessibility have been significantly enhanced through the revamped MoSPI website, GoIStats mobile application, e-Sankhyiki portal, Microdata Portal and the use of Application Programming Interface (API) for data exchange. MoSPI has also circulated a National MetaData Structure (NMDS) among Ministries/ Departments and State/UTs, to provide clarity on the data sources, collection methods and enhance discoverability of datasets. Regular dialogues with data users/stakeholders are also conducted in order to ensure transparency and responsiveness in statistical processes. *****