What happened: MoSPI–IDEAS–ISI MoUs on GDP nowcasting and harmonised indicators

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Institute of Data Engineering, Analytics and Science Foundation (IDEAS) and Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata for undertaking Research Studies. The MoUs were signed by Shri Agnimitra Biswas, Chief Executive Officer, IDEAS, and Shri Prasoon Verma, Director, Training Unit, Capacity Development Division, MoSPI.

At the signing ceremony, MoSPI leadership present included Shri P. R. Meshram, Director General (Data Governance), MoSPI, and Shri R. Rajesh, Additional Director General, Capacity Development Division, MoSPI.

Under the MoUs, MoSPI will provide financial assistance and data support, while IDEAS will develop a desktop-based software tool for GDP Nowcasting and will work on a harmonised indicator framework.

Background and earlier position: using surveys and administration for official statistics

MoSPI is responsible for official statistics and indicators used in planning and policy monitoring in India. In practice, official measurement often relies on (1) surveys that capture household outcomes and (2) administrative records that capture service delivery and programme implementation. Linking and harmonising these sources helps improve consistency across indicators and can support faster estimates when survey data are not yet available.

Related current affairs