STRENGTHENING INDIA’S STATISTICAL ECOSYSTEM

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has implemented significant reforms to enhance India's statistical ecosystem. These reforms focus on improving quality, frequency, timeliness, granularity, harmonisation, and accessibility of official statistics. Key initiatives include modernizing surveys, revising macroeconomic statistics, and strengthening data dissemination and capacity building. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Modernization of Surveys:** * Adoption of digital platforms for National Sample Surveys, including Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) with e-sigma platform, in-built validation, AI chatbots, and multilingual interfaces. * Introduction of short duration surveys to address the demand for high-frequency socio-economic indicators. * **Macroeconomic Statistics Reforms:** * Comprehensive reforms including base revision of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Index of Industrial Production (IIP). * **Data Harmonisation and Standardisation:** * Implementation of initiatives such as the National Metadata Structure (NMDS 2.0) and the Statistical Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF). * Alignment of data with national and international classification standards. * **Enhanced Data Dissemination and Accessibility:** * Revamped MoSPI website, GoIStats mobile application, e-Sankhyiki portal, and Microdata Portal. * Utilization of APIs for data exchange. * **Monitoring System for Infrastructure Projects:** * Launch of PAIMANA (Project Assessment Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation-Building) to monitor ongoing Central Sector Infrastructure Projects costing Rs. 150 crore and above. * **Capacity Building and Training:** * Support for State/UTs through the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Sub-Scheme to improve statistical capacity at the sub-state level. * National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA) offering training programs on Official Statistics, digital tools, data analytics, and data governance. * **Inter-Agency Coordination:** * Strengthening coordination between Central and State statistical agencies through conferences, consultations, workshops, and feedback mechanisms. **Impact Analysis** * **Statistical Agencies (Central and State/UT):** * **Impact:** Enhanced capacity and improved operations for collecting, compiling, and disseminating reliable official statistics. Access to modern digital tools and training for statistical personnel. * **Action Required:** Utilize new digital platforms and frameworks for surveys and data management. Participate in training programs offered by NSSTA. * **General Public and Stakeholders:** * **Impact:** Increased accessibility to official statistics through revamped portals and mobile applications. Improved quality and timeliness of statistical information. * **Action Required:** Access and utilize enhanced data dissemination channels such as the MoSPI website, GoIStats app, and portals. * **Government and Policymakers:** * **Impact:** Access to more granular, timely, and harmonised data for evidence-based policy formulation. Improved monitoring of infrastructure projects. * **Action Required:** Leverage the enhanced statistical ecosystem and data accessibility for improved decision-making. Monitor infrastructure project status through PAIMANA.

Key Entities Referenced