VISTAR Scheme: Cabinet Approves Rs 4,371 Crore Overhaul of India’s Data

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, 4 November, approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) with an outlay of Rs 4,371.10 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31. The scheme covers all statistical and data work of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), according to the government’s statement.

59 Surveys and the 8th Economic Census

MoSPI plans 59 surveys in the 16th Finance Commission cycle, up from 43 major surveys earlier. The scheme has three parts: strengthening the statistical ecosystem, a redesigned fund for states and Union territories linked to deliverables (Support for Statistical Strengthening 2.0), and the 8th Economic Census, run with the states.

The Economic Census will give data down to Gram Panchayat and ward level. It will also form the base for a National Statistical Business Register.

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New Indices and AI in the Workflow

The ministry will move statistical processes online from start to finish and use AI and machine learning in them. Two new measures are planned: the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. MoSPI will also use mobile-phone, scanner and e-commerce data alongside household surveys. Resources can be moved between components as policy needs change, the statement said.

Modi said on X that “better data means better decisions, better policies and better delivery to people”, ANI reported.

Next Steps Not Yet Announced

No dates were given for the new indices or for the start of the Economic Census field work. The scheme is tied to the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. Read other decisions of the day in Daily Updates.

Source: Based on the Cabinet statement as reported by ANI and OrissaPOST (IANS).

Image: IANS.