Strong statistical systems key to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, says PM's principal secretary

New Delhi: India needs a modern, reliable and technology-enabled statistical system to support evidence-based policymaking and achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P K Mishra said on Tuesday.

Addressing the inaugural session of a conference of state planning, finance and IT secretaries organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) here, Mishra called for stronger state-level statistical institutions, closer coordination between the Centre and states, and better integration of data systems.

"Our statistical architecture must be as modern and ambitious as our national aspirations," Mishra said, describing statistics as a strategic national asset rather than merely an administrative requirement.


He said India's statistical systems must keep pace with an economy that is becoming increasingly digital, formalised and interconnected. The introduction of a new National Accounts Series with 2022-23 as the base year, alongside updated Consumer Price Index and Index of Industrial Production series, would help align economic measurement with changing realities, he added.

According to an official statement, Mishra also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, geospatial systems and satellite imagery in improving the timeliness and accuracy of official statistics. But he cautioned that technology cannot compensate for poor-quality data, stressing that speed must not come at the expense of accuracy and wider data access must not compromise confidentiality.

India's development priorities require more granular data at the state, district and local levels, rather than reliance on national averages alone, he said. Stronger statistical systems would help governments assess policy outcomes, identify regional disparities and ensure public spending delivers intended results.

He called for a coordinated effort involving MoSPI, state statistical offices, finance and planning departments, NITI Aayog and academic institutions to build a trusted, transparent and interoperable statistical architecture to guide India's development through 2047.