Chennai: The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has begun a crucial preparatory phase for two landmark surveys with an All-India Workshop of Trainers held in Chennai on January 28 and 29, 2026.
Training Ahead of Digital Field Operations
The All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) is designed as a comprehensive capacity-building exercise before the nationwide digital rollout of the surveys. Senior officers from various NSO divisions, along with field officials from zonal, regional and sub-regional offices, are participating.
These field functionaries from the Field Operations Division will serve as Master Trainers, responsible for cascading the training to enumerators and supervisors across the country.
Understanding Household Income Patterns
The National Household Income Survey aims to generate detailed and reliable estimates of household income across India. The survey will examine income sources, patterns of economic activity, and returns to labour, capital and land.
Officials said the data will enable inter-household and inter-regional comparisons, offering policymakers deeper insights into income inequality, living standards and access to essential goods and services.
Policy Relevance and Social Impact
Findings from NHIS are expected to support evidence-based policymaking for both universal and targeted welfare interventions. The survey will help assess how income distribution influences household well-being and socio-economic mobility.
By providing granular income estimates, NHIS will also strengthen analytical work related to poverty alleviation, labour markets and inclusive growth strategies.
Comprehensive Mapping of Corporate Services
The Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises focuses exclusively on the corporate segment of India’s services economy. ASISSE will build a comprehensive database capturing key indicators such as Gross Value Added (GVA), fixed capital, capital formation, employment and emoluments.
The survey follows an enterprise-based approach and uses the GSTN framework, enabling state-wise and industry-wise estimates crucial for economic planning.
Bridging Critical Data Gaps
Together, NHIS and ASISSE represent a major milestone in India’s official statistics system. Experts note that reliable income and service sector data are essential for understanding structural changes in the economy.
The surveys will provide inputs for national accounts, sectoral analysis and long-term development planning at both central and state levels.
Nationwide Coverage with Limited Exception
The surveys will cover the entire Indian Union, except for villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain inaccessible throughout the year. Fieldwork will be conducted entirely in digital mode to improve data quality and timeliness.
Officials highlighted that rigorous training and standardized protocols are key to ensuring accuracy and consistency across regions.
Strengthening Data-Driven Governance
By investing in large-scale, high-quality data collection, the government aims to reinforce evidence-based governance and economic decision-making. The Chennai workshop underlines the importance of preparation and capacity building in achieving these goals.
With the groundwork now underway, NHIS and ASISSE are expected to significantly enhance India’s statistical ecosystem once field operations begin in April 2026.
