VISTAR Scheme 2026, Components, Features, Significance, Latest News

The VISTAR Scheme is a major initiative to modernise India's official statistical system and strengthen data based governance. The scheme was approved by the Union Cabinet for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. It aims to improve data quality, accessibility, accuracy and timeliness through digital transformation and advanced analytical capabilities, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

What is VISTAR Scheme?

The full form of VISTAR Scheme stands for Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research Scheme. It is a central sector scheme and was approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of Rs. 4,371.10 crore. The scheme aims to develop a real time, technology driven statistical framework for better research, policymaking and national data management.

VISTAR Scheme Features

The VISTAR Scheme introduces comprehensive reforms in statistical operations, data management and research to strengthen India's evidence based governance.

• Financial Outlay: The scheme has an approved budget of Rs. 4,371.10 crore for five financial years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
• Expanded Survey Coverage: MoSPI plans to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared to 43 major surveys conducted previously.
• Digital Transformation: Statistical processes will undergo end to end digitalisation, with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning integrated into data processing, validation and analysis.
• New Statistical Indices: New measures, including the Headline Index of Services Production and Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises, will strengthen economic data availability.
• Data Harmonisation: Standardised cataloguing, machine readability, interoperability and secure data sharing protocols will improve coordination and enable AI ready datasets.
• Alternative Data Sources: Mobile phone, scanner and e-commerce data will complement traditional surveys, reduce respondent burden and address existing data gaps.
• Research and Capacity Building: Internship opportunities for students and research proposals from academic institutions will encourage statistical research and develop skilled human resources.
• State Level Statistical Development: Support will improve district level estimates, million plus city estimates, State and District GDP compilation and State level Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• Policy and Planning Support: Improved availability of granular statistical information will assist national and sub national authorities in planning, resource allocation and evidence based decision making.

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VISTAR Scheme Components

The VISTAR Scheme has three major components to strengthen national statistical infrastructure, improve state level data capabilities and expand economic data coverage.

1. Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem

This component aims to improve the coverage, accuracy and accessibility of official statistics through expanded surveys, digitalisation, advanced technologies and stronger data management practices.

• Expansion of Statistical Surveys: MoSPI plans to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared with 43 major surveys earlier, addressing sectoral data gaps and supporting informed policy decisions.
• Integration of AI and ML: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will be incorporated into regular statistical operations, particularly for processing, validating and analysing information, making data management more efficient.
• Introduction of New Economic Indicators: MoSPI will develop indicators such as the Headline Index of Services Production and the Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises to strengthen economic measurement.
• Data Harmonisation and Interoperability: Standardised data cataloguing, machine readability, interoperability and secure sharing protocols will improve coordination, minimise duplication and support integrated, AI enabled decision making across government institutions.
• Use of Alternative Data Sources: Mobile phone, scanner and e-commerce data will supplement traditional surveys, helping address information gaps, reduce the burden on respondents and improve evidence based policymaking.
• Research and Capacity Development: Students and researchers will receive opportunities through internships and research proposals involving academic and research institutions, strengthening statistical knowledge and institutional capabilities.

2. Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS)

This component strengthens statistical institutions in States and Union Territories through financial assistance, technical support and improved district level data generation.

• SSS 2.0 Framework: A redesigned, deliverable linked funding mechanism will support State and UT Governments in upgrading statistical systems and improving their ability to generate reliable and detailed data.
• District Level Data Generation: States will be encouraged to produce high quality, disaggregated statistical information at district and other local levels to support evidence based planning and targeted development interventions.
• Strengthening Statistical Capabilities: The component promotes indigenous data processing infrastructure and greater use of statistical information in state level and local policymaking.
• Technical Support for Estimates: MoSPI will assist in developing district and million plus city estimates through surveys such as PLFS, HCES and ASUSE, alongside State and District GDP and State level IIP compilation.

3. Economic Census (EC)

This component focuses on comprehensive information about non farm economic establishments and their workforce to improve assessment of the unorganised sector.

• Conducting the 8th Economic Census: MoSPI will conduct the census jointly with States and UTs to collect detailed information about non farm establishments and their hired workers across the country.
• Village and Ward Level Coverage: Data collection will extend up to Gram Panchayat and Ward levels, providing detailed geographical and economic information about establishments and employment activities.
• National Statistical Business Register: The census will establish the foundation for developing the National Statistical Business Register (SBR), supporting targeted enterprise surveys and better designed economic interventions.
• Assessment of the Unorganised Sector: The collected information will help policymakers assess the structure and activities of the unorganised economy and estimate its contribution to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).