Lok Sabha Question No. 3022 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-11
Subject: Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS)
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Shri Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.: 3022 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.03.2026

SUPPORT FOR STATISTICAL STRENGTHENING (SSS)

## 3022. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  progress  under  the  Support  for  Statistical Strengthening  (SSS)  Sub-Scheme  for  the  Phase  2026-31  including funds released to States/UTs as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs);
- (b) the  details  of  engagement  with  States/UTs,  conferences  held and SSS 2.0 revamp; and
- (c) the  details  of  any  assessment  of  the  impact  if  undertaken  on State statistical system and sub-state data generation?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS  AND  PROGRAMME  IMPLEMENTATION;  MINISTER  OF STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY  OF  PLANNING; AND  MINISTER  OF  STATE  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  CULTURE  [RAO INDERJIT SINGH]

- (a)  &  (b):  The  Ministry  of  Statistics  and  Programme  Implementation (MoSPI) has prepared the draft Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) Memorandum  for  the  Capacity  Development  Scheme,  including  the Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) Sub-Scheme, for the period 2026 -31, which has been submitted for approval of the Department of Expenditure. Since the EFC period is yet to commence, no funds have been released to States/UTs for the period 2026 -31.

MoSPI  has  also  initiated  the  process  of  revamping  the  existing  SSS guidelines (SSS 2.0) to strengthen State statistical systems, including adoption of modern data technologies, capacity building of statistical personnel, and development of robust sub-State indicators. Consultations  were  held  with  Divisions  of  MoSPI  and  States/UTs  to obtain inputs based on their implementation experience under the SSS Scheme. Based on these consultations, draft SSS 2.0 guidelines were prepared and circulated to States/UTs and Divisions of MoSPI for comments, out of which  24  States/UTs have  submitted  their inputs. The  draft guidelines were also discussed during the Conference of Central and State  Statistical  Organisations  (CoCSSO)  held  on  25 -26  September 2025 at Chandigarh. (c):  MoSPI  has  undertaken  third  party  evaluation  of  the  SSS  SubScheme through M/s  AFC  India  Ltd.  The  assessment  concluded  that the  Sub-Scheme  has  strengthened  institutional  capacity  in  State statistical systems, improved data dissemination practices, and promoted adoption of modern  statistical methodologies. It also highlighted  the  need  for  strengthening  manpower,  streamlining  fund flow mechanisms, and establishing a uniform monitoring and feedback framework across States. The assessment noted that the Sub-Scheme remains  relevant  to  national  statistical  priorities  and  contributes towards achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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