**Summary:**
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is actively working to accelerate the transition to real-time, high-frequency economic indicators by integrating diverse data sources and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). This initiative aims to move beyond traditional survey delays for more agile policy responses. The National Sample Survey (NSS), under MoSPI, is committed to ensuring accurate, reliable, and high-quality data through robust mechanisms that undergo periodic improvements based on evolving needs, feedback, and advancements in methodologies.
MoSPI is continuously upgrading and synergizing existing IT-based data collection techniques. Primary data collection in all surveys is being conducted on digital platforms using Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) or web-based applications with built-in validation mechanisms. This facilitates real-time submission and validation of survey data, drastically reducing the time lag in releasing survey reports.
AI/ML features have been introduced in enterprise surveys like the CAPEX and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) to address field queries in real-time. CAPI has been made more agile in ongoing surveys, such as the addition of a Construction module in the CAPI of ASUSE 2025 mid-survey and the inclusion of additional blocks in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to meet stakeholders' continuous data requirements. Short duration surveys, such as the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom and Education, have been launched to cater to the emerging need for high-frequency socioeconomic indicators.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation: A ministry in the Government of India responsible for statistical data collection and analysis, and programme implementation.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Artificial Intelligence: A field of computer science focused on creating machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Machine Learning: A type of artificial intelligence that allows computer systems to learn from data without being explicitly programmed.
National Sample Survey: A large-scale survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), to collect socioeconomic data across India.
Computer Assisted Personal Interview: A data collection technique that uses computers or other digital devices to administer surveys or interviews.
Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises: A survey conducted to collect data on the economic activities of unincorporated sector enterprises.
Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom and Education: A short duration survey launched to cater the emerging need for high frequency socioeconomic indicators.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1804
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
SURVEY USING AI AND ML
1804. DR. PRADEEP KUMAR PANIGRAHY:
Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
be pleased to state:
the manner in which the Government accelerates the transition
to real-time, high-frequency economic indicators by integrating
diverse data sources and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (Al)
/Machine Learning (ML) moving beyond traditional survey delays for
more agile policy responses?
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]
National Sample Survey (NSS) under Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is committed to ensuring
accurate, reliable and high quality data in the large scale surveys
conducted across the country. To achieve this, robust and well-
defined mechanisms are employed in different statistical products
which undergo periodic improvements based on evolving needs,
feedback, and advancements in methodologies to enhance their
effectiveness.
Upgradation and synergizing of existing IT based data collection
techniques is a continuous process in MoSPI. The primary data
collection in all surveys is being done in digital platform using
Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) or web-based
application with in-built validation mechanism to ensure consistencyat the stage of data collection. This facilitates real-time submission
and validation of survey data and has resulted into a drastic reduction
in the time lag in releasing of survey reports.
Further, whenever a new survey is taken up, possible methods and
new technologies are explored for their appropriate adoption. Some
features of AI/ML have been introduced in enterprise surveys like
CAPEX and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises
(ASUSE) to address the field queries at real-time basis. CAPI has been
made agile in respect of ongoing surveys such as Construction module
has been added in the CAPI of ASUSE 2025 mid survey, some
additional blocks have been included in PLFS, etc. to meet the
continuous data requirements of the stakeholders.
Short duration surveys have also been launched such as
Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom and Education to cater the
emerging need for high frequency socio-economic indicators.
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