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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.: 3022
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026
SUPPORT FOR STATISTICAL STRENGTHENING (SSS)
3022. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:
Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the progress under the Support for Statistical
Strengthening (SSS) Sub-Scheme for the Phase 2026-31 including
funds released to States/UTs as per the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoUs);
(b) the details of engagement with States/UTs, conferences held
and SSS 2.0 revamp; and
(c) the details of any assessment of the impact if undertaken on
State statistical system and sub-state data generation?
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) & (b): The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
(MoSPI) has prepared the draft Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC)
Memorandum for the Capacity Development Scheme, including the
Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Sub-Scheme, for the period
2026–31, which has been submitted for approval of the Department of
Expenditure. Since the EFC period is yet to commence, no funds have
been released to States/UTs for the period 2026–31.MoSPI has also initiated the process of revamping the existing SSS
guidelines (SSS 2.0) to strengthen State statistical systems, including
adoption of modern data technologies, capacity building of statistical
personnel, and development of robust sub-State indicators.
Consultations were held with Divisions of MoSPI and States/UTs to
obtain inputs based on their implementation experience under the SSS
Scheme.
Based on these consultations, draft SSS 2.0 guidelines were prepared
and circulated to States/UTs and Divisions of MoSPI for comments, out
of which 24 States/UTs have submitted their inputs. The draft
guidelines were also discussed during the Conference of Central and
State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) held on 25–26 September
2025 at Chandigarh.
(c): MoSPI has undertaken third party evaluation of the SSS Sub-
Scheme through M/s AFC India Ltd. The assessment concluded that
the Sub-Scheme has strengthened institutional capacity in State
statistical systems, improved data dissemination practices, and
promoted adoption of modern statistical methodologies. It also
highlighted the need for strengthening manpower, streamlining fund
flow mechanisms, and establishing a uniform monitoring and feedback
framework across States. The assessment noted that the Sub-Scheme
remains relevant to national statistical priorities and contributes
towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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