New Delhi — Marking a push towards greater data accessibility and technological integration in India‘s official statistical framework, National Statistics Office (NSO), part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched a revamped Microdata Portal alongside a new website for the National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA).
Developed in collaboration with the World Bank Technology Team, the upgraded Microdata Portal addresses previous technological constraints by adopting a scalable, secure platform with improved user accessibility, said a statement from MoSPI.
The portal serves as a centralised repository for survey data, including national surveys and economic census findings, ensuring compliance with contemporary security standards.
MoSPI also launched the NSSTA website, designed to streamline access to the ministry’s capacity-building programmes. According to the ministry, both platforms were developed in-house by the Data Informatics & Innovation Division of MoSPI, stressing the ministry’s focus on self-reliant digital solutions.
In order to enhance data accuracy and efficiency, MoSPI also showcased a proof of concept (PoC) for an AI-driven classification tool tailored for the National Industrial Classification (NIC) system.
The tool employs natural language processing (NLP) to generate the top five relevant NIC codes based on user queries, reducing manual effort for enumerators and improving data collection precision. The ministry said that this innovation emerged from a recent MoSPI-organised hackathon and is expected to bolster productivity in statistical operations.
A senior official said that these technolog-led initiatives reflect MoSPI’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including AI and machine learning, to strengthen India’s statistical infrastructure. By enhancing data-driven decision-making, the ministry aims to support targeted policymaking in line with the broader Viksit Bharat vision.
The revamped Microdata Portal is optimised for responsive access across devices, while the NSSTA website consolidates training resources for statistical professionals. The AI-based NIC tool, once fully operational, could significantly reduce classification errors and streamline industrial data reporting.
MoSPI emphasised that these advancements will push greater interoperability and efficiency in India’s statistical ecosystem, ensuring robust evidence-based governance. Further updates on the deployment of these tools are expected in the coming months.
