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Modernizing India's Statistical System for Global Standards

Key Reforms and Initiatives by MoSPI

Modernizing India's Statistical System for Global Standards

  • 03 Dec, 2025
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Modernizing India's Statistical System

India is taking significant measures to enhance its statistical framework and improve its standings on international benchmarks. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has confirmed that revisions to essential national indices and coordinated actions on global rankings are actively being pursued to ensure data accuracy and reflect the structural changes within the economy.

Revisions in GDP, CPI, and IIP Methodology

MoSPI is responsible for compiling estimates for Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) using standards aligned with international practices. The ministry periodically revises the Base Year of these indices to incorporate new datasets, modernize methodologies, and capture shifts in production, consumption, and pricing patterns.

Global Indices for Reforms and Growth Initiative

To enhance India’s performance in international assessments, the government has introduced the Global Indices for Reforms and Growth (GIRG) initiative. This initiative monitors 26 major global indices published by 16 international agencies across four themes: economy, development, governance, and industry, through effective inter-ministerial coordination.

Roles Assigned to Nodal Ministries

Under the GIRG initiative, 17 nodal ministries are tasked with driving improvements in the selected indices. They are required to review the methodologies employed by publishing agencies, ensure that updated official Indian data is utilized, and collaborate with line ministries to identify performance gaps and initiate necessary reforms.

Exam-Oriented Facts

  • GIRG tracks 26 global indices within four thematic sectors.
  • The DMEO, part of NITI Aayog, serves as the central coordinator for this initiative.
  • MoSPI routinely revises the Base Year of national indices to align with international standards.
  • GDP, CPI, and IIP are the key indices compiled by MoSPI.

Government’s Commitment to Data Quality and Reform

The initiative aims to bolster India’s position on global platforms by enhancing statistical accuracy and implementing targeted policy actions. Minister Rao Inderjit Singh has informed the Rajya Sabha that all nodal and line ministries are required to implement remedial measures to ensure measurable progress in global rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the GIRG initiative?
Answer: The GIRG initiative aims to monitor and improve India's performance in 26 global indices through inter-ministerial coordination and data accuracy.

Q2. Which ministry is responsible for India's statistical reforms?
Answer: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is responsible for the statistical reforms and modernization efforts in India.

Q3. How often does MoSPI revise the Base Year for indices?
Answer: MoSPI periodically revises the Base Year for indices to reflect new datasets and changes in the economic landscape.

Q4. What indices does MoSPI compile?
Answer: MoSPI compiles key indices such as GDP, CPI, and IIP, which are crucial for economic analysis and planning.

Q5. Why is data accuracy important for India?
Answer: Data accuracy is essential for improving India's global rankings and ensuring effective policy formulation based on reliable statistics.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does the GIRG initiative monitor?
A) Local development indices
B) 26 global indices
C) National healthcare statistics
D) Regional economic reports
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which ministry oversees the statistical reforms in India?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Home Affairs
C) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
D) Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: How many nodal ministries are involved in the GIRG initiative?
A) 10
B) 15
C) 17
D) 20
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is the primary goal of revising the Base Year of indices?
A) To increase employment rates
B) To modernize methods and capture economic changes
C) To decrease inflation
D) To enhance international relations
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which index is NOT compiled by MoSPI?
A) GDP
B) CPI
C) IIP
D) Human Development Index
Correct Answer: D

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