The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the 'Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR)' Scheme with a total outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore for the period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. This central sector scheme aims to establish a dynamic, real-time official statistical architecture aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, focusing on enhanced timeliness, data granularity, and interoperability with harmonized AI-ready datasets.
The VISTAR scheme comprises three main components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS), and Economic Census (EC). Under the first component, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) plans to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, significantly expanding from the previous 43 major surveys to fill critical data gaps across various sectors. The scheme will drive end-to-end digitalization of statistical processes and embed Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into regular workflows for data processing, validation, and analysis.
MoSPI will introduce new metrics including the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises. The scheme emphasizes data harmonization through cataloguing, machine readability, interoperability, sharing protocols, and privacy by design principles. It will mainstream alternative data sources such as mobile phone, scanner, and e-commerce data to complement traditional surveys and reduce respondent burden.
The Support for Statistical Strengthening component involves funding State/UT Governments through a deliverable-linked framework (SSS 2.0) to transform statistical capabilities at state levels. This includes generating high-quality granular data at district and million-plus city levels in flagship national surveys like PLFS, HCES, and ASUSE, as well as compiling State/District level GDP and State level IIP.
The Economic Census component will see MoSPI undertake the 8th Economic Census in collaboration with States/UTs, providing granular data on all non-farm establishments and workers hired at Gram Panchayat and Ward levels. This census will serve as the baseline for developing a National Statistical Business Register to facilitate targeted enterprise surveys and strategic interventions, enabling estimation of the unorganized sector's contribution to GDP.
The scheme also includes capacity building initiatives and enhanced opportunities for youth and researchers through internship programs and research proposals from academic institutions.