India is updating its statistical systems using artificial intelligence, expanded labor surveys, and tax data integration to meet the demand for faster and more detailed economic data. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is transitioning to tablet-based data collection for door-to-door surveys and incorporating AI chatbots for immediate responses during surveys.
Field data is now directly uploaded to the e-SIGMA portal for streamlined processing, while the ministry has enhanced its website, introduced a mobile app, and expanded data access options. Acknowledging the rise of alternative data sources, India is exploring the integration of e-commerce, scanner, mobile, and satellite data into official statistics to provide additional insights.
To ensure data harmonization across ministries, India has established a registry of government datasets and developed a national metadata structure. The government has aligned classifications with international standards and implemented unique identifiers for organizations and geographic locations to facilitate data compatibility. Plans are underway to incorporate revisions under the System of National Accounts 2025 to rebase GDP and enhance data accuracy.
Secretary Saurabh Garg highlighted the robustness of India’s production-side data and emphasized that the inclusion of goods and services tax data will improve expenditure estimates. Additionally, efforts have been made to enhance employment data granularity by issuing monthly labor force reports covering urban and rural sectors with an expanded sample size and new questions on employment status and skill levels.
