Reforms/ initiatives by MoSPI  to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and planning by enhancing the quality, frequency, timeliness, granularity and accessibility of official statistics

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is undertaking reforms to bolster evidence-based policymaking by improving the quality, frequency, timeliness, granularity, and accessibility of official statistics. A major focus is the modernization of National Sample Surveys through digital platforms. This initiative also supports States/UTs in strengthening their statistical capacity. This information was released on February 11, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Objective:** * Strengthen evidence-based policymaking and planning. * Enhance the quality, frequency, timeliness, granularity, and accessibility of official statistics. * **Modernization of National Sample Surveys:** * Adoption of digital platforms, including Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) integrated with e-SIGMA. * Incorporation of in-built validation checks, AI-enabled chatbots, and multilingual interfaces. * Modified sampling design of major surveys using district as the basic stratum. * **Support for States/UTs:** * Enhance capacity building through the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Sub-Scheme. * Aim to improve the statistical capacity and operations of the state statistical system. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: National Sample Survey (NSS)** * **Impact:** NSS operations will be modernized through digital platforms, enhancing data collection and validation processes. * **Action Required:** Adopt and implement the new digital platforms and methodologies, including CAPI and e-SIGMA integration. **Stakeholder: States/UTs** * **Impact:** Increased capacity to collect, compile, and disseminate reliable official statistics through the SSS Sub-Scheme. * **Action Required:** Engage with MoSPI and implement the SSS Sub-Scheme to strengthen statistical infrastructure and operations. **Stakeholder: Policy Makers and Planners** * **Impact:** Improved access to high-quality, timely, and granular official statistics for evidence-based policymaking and planning. * **Action Required:** Utilize the enhanced statistical information to inform policy decisions and development programs.

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