India Approves ₹4,371 Crore VISTAR Scheme to Modernize Statistics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the VISTAR scheme to overhaul India's statistical architecture using AI and machine learning through 2031.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, approved the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) scheme on November 4, 2026. The five-year central sector scheme, running from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31, has a total outlay of ₹4,371.10 crore to modernize India's official statistical architecture.
The initiative focuses on end-to-end digitalization by embedding artificial intelligence and machine learning into data processing and validation. To improve the granularity and timeliness of datasets, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation will integrate alternative data sources, including mobile phone, e-commerce, and scanner data. The scheme will increase the number of funded surveys from 43 to 59 and conduct the long-delayed 8th Economic Census to better estimate the contribution of the unorganized sector to the GDP.
Structurally, VISTAR comprises three primary components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS), and the Economic Census. It introduces a deliverable-linked funding framework, SSS 2.0, to strengthen statistical bureaus across states and Union Territories. Prime Minister Modi stated that the transformation is intended to ensure better decision-making, policy formulation, and public service delivery, aligning with the broader Viksit Bharat 2047 objective.
