VISTAR approved to modernise surveys and official statistics

The story in brief

Approved on 4 November for 2026–27 to 2030–31, VISTAR brings the Statistics Ministry’s survey and data-management work under one scheme. The Ministry proposes 59 surveys during the cycle, compared with 43 major surveys previously, alongside more digital processing and analysis.¹ States and Union Territories will receive support to improve statistical capacity and local estimates. The eighth Economic Census will gather details of non-farm establishments and their workers down to gram-panchayat and ward level, creating a baseline for a national business register.¹ Union Cabinet release: The government aims for more timely, detailed official data to guide policies, including decisions informed by district-level conditions.¹

Context: These are planned statistical improvements; this approval does not itself publish new household or business survey results.