NEW DELHI: As India observes National Statistics Day, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has unveiled key milestones in its sweeping digital transformation—a project officials say is critical to delivering quality data for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Over the past year, MoSPI has built significantly on the launch of its flagship eSankhyiki portal, introduced on June 29, 2024. This initiative has now grown into a robust, user-centric data infrastructure that spans more than a dozen new platforms—ranging from public dashboards to AI-driven innovation labs—marking a pivotal shift in how India collects, processes, and disseminates official statistics.
“This digital transformation represents our unwavering commitment to making official statistics more timely, reliable, and accessible in line with the needs of a data-driven New India,” said a senior ministry official.
Infrastructure First: Building for Access and Scale
New platforms launched include the Data Innovation Lab (DI Lab), the Online Certificate Management System (OCMS), metadata portals, and revamped websites for the National Statistical Commission (NSC) and National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA). These tools aim to enhance transparency and usability for researchers, policymakers, and citizens.
The eSankhyiki portal itself now hosts over 135 million records and integrates real-time dashboards for key domains like the Annual Survey of Industries, Economic Census, Social Statistics, and the National Sample Survey. A mobile app, GoIStats, is scheduled for launch on Statistics Day 2025.
Innovation Meets Official Statistics
MoSPI is also turning to emerging technologies to reshape statistical production. Seven use cases have been identified for integration, with three already piloted and three others in early testing stages. Officials say the approach is designed to mainstream proven AI and data science applications into NSO’s operational systems.
India’s leadership in digital statistics has also gained international recognition. The country is now a member of the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science and recently presented its institutional models at the UNECE Conference on Generative AI in official statistics.
Cybersecurity and System Integrity
In parallel with its digital push, MoSPI has prioritized data security. A Chief Information Security Officer has been appointed, and an expert cybersecurity agency onboarded to protect sensitive national datasets from cyber threats and ensure continuity in data services.
A Phased, Strategic Digital Overhaul
This transformation follows a phased roadmap, beginning with digitization of data dissemination and collection systems. Tools like the eSigma platform are already modernizing field data collection methods. The upcoming phase will focus on data processing and statistical outputs, with a comprehensive digital implementation blueprint nearing finalization.
Data for Development
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring quality, timely, and accessible data to support India’s long-term goals. As India works toward becoming a developed nation by 2047, officials say data will play a foundational role in shaping policy and empowering citizens alike.
“Our goal is to empower every citizen, researcher, and policymaker with data that drives decisions and delivers results,” the ministry said.
