Reports IndicesSaturday, 7 November 2026·The Hindu - Economy
Union Cabinet approves ₹4,371 crore VISTAR scheme to modernise India’s statistical system
The Union Cabinet approved the ₹4,371 crore VISTAR scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31 to strengthen India’s statistical architecture, including the 8th Economic Census.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On November 4, 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹4,371 crore Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR) scheme for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Key specifics
- The scheme cost is ₹4,371 crore for 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- VISTAR has three components: statistical operations, support for statistical strengthening, and an Economic Census.
- MoSPI plans 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, compared with 43 earlier major surveys.
- The 8th Economic Census will collect data down to gram panchayat and ward levels.
- The scheme aims to build AI-ready datasets and strengthen the National Statistical Business Register (SBR).
Exam lens
TNPSC economy and reports question, VISTAR scheme, ₹4,371 crore, MoSPI, 59 surveys, 8th Economic Census, 16th Finance Commission cycle — remember the three components and the data-collection levels.