Cabinet Approves VISTAR Scheme for Statistical Transformation
Cabinet · Economy · Posted 04 NOV 2026 3:31PM
What happened
The Union Cabinet approved the 'Viksit Bharat Initiative for Statistical Transformation, Analytics & Research (VISTAR)' scheme for FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs. 4,371.10 crore. The central sector scheme aims to upgrade the country's official statistical architecture through enhanced surveys, digital transformation, and the 8th Economic Census.
Why it matters for UPSC
This scheme is crucial for Indian economic planning, data governance, and evidence-based policymaking, mapping directly to the Indian Economy syllabus section on economic planning, growth, and development.
Key objectives
- Approved the VISTAR central sector scheme for FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs. 4,371.10 crore to upgrade India's official statistical architecture.
- Comprises three components: Comprehensive Statistical Operations and Strengthening of Ecosystem, Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS 2.0), and the 8th Economic Census (EC).
- Aims to conduct 59 surveys during the 16th Finance Commission cycle, incorporate AI/ML in workflows, release new metrics like the Headline Index of Services Production, and undertake the 8th Economic Census.