**Summary:**
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is enhancing the accuracy, reliability, and quality of data from the National Sample Survey (NSS) through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. This initiative involves upgrading IT-based data collection techniques and employing Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) and web-based applications with built-in validation mechanisms to ensure data consistency during collection. This facilitates real-time submission and validation, significantly reducing the time lag in releasing survey reports. AI/ML features have been implemented in enterprise surveys such as the CAPEX survey and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) to address field queries in real-time. CAPI is being adapted for ongoing surveys, including the addition of a construction module to the ASUSE 2025 mid-survey and the inclusion of additional blocks in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to meet stakeholder data requirements. MoSPI has also launched short-duration surveys, such as the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom and Education, to address the need for high-frequency socioeconomic indicators. This information was provided by Rao Inderjit Singh, 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, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Statistics Programme Implementation: The ministry responsible for statistical data collection and program implementation.
National Sample Survey: A large-scale survey conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation to collect data across the country.
Computer Assisted Personal Interview: A digital platform used for primary data collection in surveys.
Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises: An enterprise survey where some features of AIML have been introduced.
Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom and Education: A short duration survey launched to cater to the emerging need for high frequency socioeconomic indicators.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where a question was raised and answered in writing.
Rao Inderjit Singh: 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.
Delhi: Place of publication of policy document
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Survey Using AI and ML
Posted On: 30 JUL 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi
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 consistency at 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.
This information was given by the 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, in a written reply to a
question in the Lok Sabha today.
****
Samrat/Allen
(Release ID: 2150171)