Statistics ministry should focus on district-level data: Amitabh Kant – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: The statistics ministry must now shift focus to districts and unveil district-level socio-economic data, which can drive comprehensive improvements in outcomes, Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, said on Friday.
“Whether it is district-level GDP, or district-level socio-economic data, the time has come to generate district-wise data for better targeting and design of policies,” Kant said at an event organised by the ministry of statistics and programme implementation (Mospi) to mark 75 years of the National Sample Survey (NSS). Kant called for continued innovation in the statistical field to keep data a powerful tool for growth, inclusivity, and competitiveness and urged that adoption of new technologies will make India globally more relevant.
“Technologies such as AI and ML (Machine Learning) can significantly improve data collection methods by automating processes. For instance, the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) is exploring AI to enhance data collection and analysis, aiming to improve the timeliness and quality of official statistics,” said Kant.
He said incorporating non-traditional data sources, such as satellite imagery and mobile data, can complement existing survey data. “The success of the next 25, 50, or even 100 years of India’s growth will depend on how well we continue to collect, interpret, and use data,” Kant said.
Rao Inderjit Singh, MoS for statistics & programme implementation, pointed out how NSS surveys have influenced key areas like employment, consumption, health, and education, driving critical policy decisions.
He emphasised govt’s ongoing commitment to advancing NSS, integrating new technologies, and ensuring it remains relevant in the years to come.