A flagship Central Sector Scheme aimed at modernising India’s official statistical system through AI, Machine Learning (ML), digital platforms and interoperable datasets to generate timely and reliable socioeconomic data for evidence-based policymaking. 

Organisation: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). 

Three Components:

1. Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Ecosystem Strengthening
2. Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS 2.0)
3. 8th Economic Census (EC)

Key Features:

• Survey Modernisation: Expands major surveys from 43 to 59 during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, using digital data collection and AI/ML-based validation.
• New Economic Indicators: Introduces the Headline Index of Services Production and Index of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises to improve economic monitoring.
• Big Data Integration: Uses mobile location data, barcode scans and e-commerce transactions to supplement traditional surveys and reduce respondent burden.
• SSS 2.0: Provides performance-linked grants to States/UTs for strengthening district GDP, State IIP and decentralised statistical estimates through PLFS, HCES and ASUSE.
• 8th Economic Census: Enumerates non-agricultural establishments at Gram Panchayat and urban Ward levels, supporting the development of the Statistical Business Register (SBR).

Significance:

• Strengthens data-driven governance through granular and interoperable statistical datasets.
• Improves measurement of the unorganised sector, employment and economic output, contributing to more reliable GDP estimates.
• Promotes decentralised statistical capacity and facilitates targeted district-level policymaking.
• Reduces information gaps and improves evidence-based resource allocation.