The AIDIS traces its origins to the All India Rural Credit Survey (1951-52) and was expanded in 1961-62 to include investment data. Conducted roughly once every decade, the most recent AIDIS was the 77th Round in 2019, undertaken at the request of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
The survey provides detailed insights into household finance, measuring levels of indebtedness and ownership of assets in both rural and urban areas. Its findings are crucial for preparing national accounts, assessing inequality in asset distribution, understanding credit markets, and guiding financial inclusion initiatives. Policymakers, including the RBI and MoSPI, rely on AIDIS data to shape regulatory and fiscal strategies.
Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households
The SAS was first conducted in 2003 to study the condition of farming households. It was later expanded in 2013 to include all agricultural households and strengthened in the 2019 round. The SAS now provides a comprehensive picture of rural livelihoods and agricultural sustainability.
The survey covers multiple aspects including household income and expenditure, access to credit, indebtedness, land and livestock ownership, crop and livestock production, farming practices, technology use, and access to government schemes such as crop insurance. The results serve as a key input for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, NITI Aayog, and financial institutions in designing farmer-centric policies.
Public Feedback Invited
To improve the scope and relevance of the upcoming surveys, MoSPI has released draft Concept Notes and Schedules for both AIDIS and SAS on its official website. Stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, farmer groups, and financial institutions, are invited to submit their suggestions by 30th September 2025.
Feedback can be submitted on topics such as household assets, investment behavior, indebtedness, credit access, financial inclusion, and agricultural practices. Suggestions may also include new items or modifications to existing questions to better reflect current economic realities. The consultation documents are available on MoSPI’s official portal.
Why These Surveys Matter
Together, AIDIS and SAS provide a holistic understanding of household finance and agricultural livelihoods. While AIDIS maps the distribution of debt and investment across the population, SAS highlights the challenges and opportunities facing farmers. Their findings help bridge gaps in policymaking and ensure evidence-based decisions for India’s economic and rural development.
As India prepares for these critical surveys in 2026-27, the engagement of the public and experts will play a vital role in shaping more robust and responsive statistical tools that strengthen inclusive growth.