Training for Nationwide Surveys
Approximately 300 participants attended the workshop, representing six zonal, 53 regional, and 116 sub-regional offices of the Field Operations Division (FOD), along with officials from Coordination & Quality Control Division (CQCD), Household Survey Division (HSD), and Enterprise Survey Division (EnSD). The workshop focused on uniform understanding of survey concepts, definitions, and field methodologies to ensure high-quality data collection across India.
Inaugural Address and Survey Objectives
The workshop was inaugurated by Smt. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General, National Sample Survey (NSS). She highlighted that NHIS will generate detailed information on household income distribution, living conditions, and sources of income, enabling inter-household and inter-regional comparisons. ASISSE will comprehensively cover the incorporated services sector using GSTN datasets, providing state- and industry-level estimates on Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital formation, employment, and emoluments.
Smt. Rathore emphasized the importance of ensuring accurate data quality and urged trainers to translate their learning effectively to field enumerators for successful survey implementation.
Focus on Field Implementation and Data Quality
Senior NSO officials underscored the critical role of AIWOT in maintaining survey quality. Trainers were briefed on multi-tier training, active engagement with respondents, supervision protocols, and innovative outreach methods, including the use of media and social platforms. Given the sensitivity and scope of the surveys, field officials were encouraged to build trust with respondents and adapt methodologies to local contexts.
Digital Surveys and CAPI Training
Both NHIS and ASISSE will be conducted digitally using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI), with master trainers providing comprehensive digital training during AIWOT. The surveys aim to cover all of India, except for remote villages in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ensuring nationwide data coverage for policy planning and economic analysis.
Impact and Next Steps
NHIS findings will support analysis of income patterns, economic activity, and inform targeted policy interventions across socio-economic groups, while ASISSE will create a detailed database of India’s corporate services sector. Officials from all States and Union Territories will further conduct zonal and regional trainings for field enumerators and supervisors, reinforcing the commitment to professional and high-quality statistical data collection.
