In April 2025, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has introduced transformative digital initiatives – revamped Microdata Portal, the web site of NSSTA(National Statistical System Training Academy) and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-Based Classification Tool to modernize India’s statistical infrastructure.
- These initiatives are announced during the ‘Conference of State Government Ministers on Strengthening of Statistical Systems’ held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, aim to enhance data accessibility, accuracy, and policy relevance.
- These initiatives will support the overall goal of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Key Highlights of the Launch:
About Revamped Microdata Portal:
i.It is a centralized digital repository providing access to extensive statistical datasets from national surveys and economic censuses.
ii.Purpose: To overcome previous technological limitations and improve the efficiency of data dissemination.
iii.Development: Built in collaboration with Washington D.C. (the United States of America(USA)-based World Bank Technology Team.
iv.Key Features:
- Developed using a modern, scalable technology stack.
- Ensures compliance with modern security standards.
- Offers a responsive design and improved data access mechanisms
About National Statistical System Training Academy(NSSTA) Website:
It is a web platform that centralizes information related to capacity-building initiatives under MoSPI.
i.Purpose: To facilitate access to training and development resources for stakeholders in the statistical ecosystem.
ii.Development: Created in-house by the Data Informatics & Innovation Division(DIID) of MoSPI.
About Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)-Based Classification Tool:
It is a Proof of Concept (PoC) tool developed to assist in the automated classification of economic activities based on the National Industrial Classification (NIC) system.
i.Purpose:To simplify the classification process and support the production of official statistics.
- The tool leverages Natural Language Processing (NLP) to process user-entered text queries and suggests the top five most relevant NIC codes.
ii.Development: It is developed by MoSPI as an outcome of a Hackathon held to foster innovation in official statistics.
iii.Significance:
- Reduces manual effort in data categorization.
- Enhances efficiency and accuracy for field enumerators.
- Supports better data collection and policymaking through automation.
About National Statistical Systems Training Academy (NSSTA):
Additional Director General(ADG) – Kishor Baburao Surwade
Established – 2009
Headquarters – Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, UP
