Parliament Question: Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS)

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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