The Union Cabinet has approved a new central government initiative called the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics and Research (VISTAR), with a total financial allocation of ₹4,371.10 crore.
The scheme will operate from 2026–27 to 2030–31 and aims to modernise India’s official statistical system through artificial intelligence, digital technology and improved data collection.
AI-Based Technology to Improve Government Data
The initiative is designed to create a modern, real-time and AI-ready statistical infrastructure under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
The new system is expected to improve the availability, quality and accuracy of official government data, helping policymakers make better-informed decisions.
Three Major Components of the VISTAR Scheme
The programme will focus on three important areas:
- Statistical Operations: Strengthening national surveys and improving the collection and processing of official statistics.
- State Statistical Support (SSS 2.0): Providing financial and technical assistance to states and Union Territories to improve district-level data collection and research capabilities.
- 8th Economic Census: Collecting detailed information about non-farm businesses, establishments and workers across the country.
New Economic Indicators and 8th Economic Census
The government plans to introduce new indicators, including the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises.
The 8th Economic Census will collect information about non-farm establishments and their workers down to the Gram Panchayat and municipal ward levels.
How the Scheme Could Benefit India
The initiative is expected to improve the quality of economic information available to policymakers, researchers and government departments.
By combining traditional surveys with alternative data sources such as mobile phone, retail scanner and e-commerce data, the government aims to identify economic trends more effectively and reduce gaps in information.
The ₹4,371.10 crore VISTAR programme marks a significant step towards building a modern, technology-driven statistical system in India.
