NSO Prepares For First-Ever National Income Surveys

The National Statistics Office is strengthening India’s statistical capacity with preparations for two landmark nationwide surveys aimed at addressing long-standing data gaps on household incomes and the corporate services sector. These initiatives are expected to significantly enhance evidence-based policymaking and economic analysis.

All-India Workshop Of Trainers In Chennai

The National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is organising an All-India Workshop of Trainers (AIWOT) in Chennai on 28–29 January 2026. The workshop will prepare senior officers and field functionaries for the upcoming National Household Income Survey and the Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises, both scheduled to begin fieldwork in April 2026 using a fully digital mode.

National Household Income Survey Objectives

The National Household Income Survey (NHIS) is a first-of-its-kind pan-India exercise designed to generate comprehensive data on household income distribution and living conditions. The survey will enable analysis of income patterns, returns to labour, capital and land, and their linkages with economic activity. Its findings will support policy formulation for universal and targeted welfare interventions, while facilitating inter-household and inter-regional income comparisons across socio-economic groups.

Annual Survey Of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises

The Annual Survey of Incorporated Service Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) will create a robust database on India’s corporate services sector. It will capture key indicators such as Gross Value Added, capital formation, employment, and emoluments, with estimates at State and industry levels. The survey follows an enterprise-based approach and leverages the GSTN framework, focusing exclusively on incorporated service sector entities.

Important Facts for Exams

• NHIS and ASISSE are India’s first nationwide surveys on household income and corporate services.
• Both surveys will be conducted for one year starting April 2026.
• ASISSE uses an enterprise-based approach under the GSTN framework.
• The surveys exclude villages in Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to accessibility issues.

Training And Institutional Readiness

The AIWOT will be attended by senior NSO officers and field staff from zonal, regional, and sub-regional offices of the Field Operations Division, who will act as Master Trainers for subsequent trainings. This preparatory exercise aims to ensure uniform methodology, data quality, and operational readiness ahead of the nationwide rollout of the surveys.