The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), held a Data Users Conference at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad on May 27. The conference focused on bridging the gap between data producers and users through discussions on the ASUSE 2023–24 and the Forward-Looking Private Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions Survey.
More than 200 participants from academia, policy, industry, and international organizations joined the discussions. MoSPI Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg highlighted innovations like the monthly PLFS release, the CAPEX survey, and a revamped data portal, reiterating the ministry’s ‘Data for Development’ vision.
Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the importance of granular data in policymaking and praised MoSPI’s integration of administrative datasets and AI tools. ISB Dean Prof. Madan M. Pillutla and NSS DG Ms. Geeta Singh Rathore underscored the significance of collaboration, capacity-building, and data accessibility.
Technical sessions explored ASUSE’s new sampling design, the policy relevance of CAPEX data, and its value for MSMEs. A panel discussion highlighted capital formation trends, the role of households in GFCF, and the need for better access to microdata and stronger state-level systems.
Key takeaways included expanding ASUSE profiling, aligning CAPEX data with Vision 2047 goals, tracking MUDRA’s impact, and integrating renewable energy investment intentions into future surveys.
The conference reaffirmed the collective commitment to advancing data-driven governance in India.
