Why in the News
India’s official statistics will move from the existing set-up to an overhauled system, under a single dedicated scheme covering both the Centre and the States. The Union Cabinet has approved the Rs 4,371 crore scheme, the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR).
What is VISTAR, and what does it cover?
- What it is: VISTAR is a five-year scheme, running from 2026-27 to 2030-31, to rebuild how India produces its official statistics. It works like a planned renovation of the whole data system.
- Two levels: The overhaul covers the statistical architecture of both the Centre and the States.
- The takeaway: Official statistics underpin estimates such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so an overhaul at both levels shapes how the economy is measured.
What are the scheme’s three components?
- Statistical operations: The first component runs comprehensive statistical operations and strengthens the wider statistical ecosystem.
- Statistical strengthening support: The second component gives support for statistical strengthening.
- Economic census: The third component is an economic census, a count of every establishment engaged in economic activity.
Why does the overhaul matter?
- State estimates: States compile their own figures, such as Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), the value of goods and services produced within a State. Covering the States brings these estimates within the overhaul.
- Base for surveys: The economic census list of establishments is the frame from which enterprise surveys draw their samples, so a fresh count improves those surveys.
Conclusion
VISTAR now has Cabinet approval, but its targets and administering arrangements are not yet spelt out. How its three components are rolled out is the next milestone to watch.
Matching Previous Year Question
“[2022] In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers? (a) Central Statistics Office (b) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (c) Labour Bureau (d) National Technical Manpower Information System ANSWER: (c)”
