India is set to enhance its understanding of economic trends through a series of comprehensive surveys. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will roll out these surveys starting in 2025. The aim is to gather accurate data on internet usage, mobile phone penetration, and travel expenditure among Indian households. This initiative responds to the need for more frequent and precise economic data.
Quarterly Surveys Implementation
The inaugural ‘Forward Looking Survey on Private Corporate Sector’ began in October 2023. This survey engages over 5,000 leading companies to assess their investment plans for the next three years. Results will be published in March 2024. Quarterly surveys will help eliminate seasonal effects. This will provide a clearer picture of economic trends.
Comprehensive Modular Survey
The ‘Comprehensive Modular Survey’ is scheduled for January to March 2025. It will focus on assessing internet penetration and mobile phone usage in India. The results will be available within 1-1.5 months post-survey. Such data is crucial as it reflects the digital landscape of the country.
Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey
From July 2025 to June 2026, the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey (DTES) and the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) will take place. These surveys aim to evaluate household travel spending and classwise demand for transport. The DTES was initially planned for 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic. Results are expected by September-October 2026.
Importance of Accurate Data
Accurate data collection is vital for understanding economic trends. The government aims to create a robust framework for regular updates. This will enable policymakers to make informed decisions based on real-time data. The surveys will address the gaps in understanding seasonal impacts on various sectors.
Future Implications
These surveys are expected to influence several sectors, including tourism and information technology. By capturing detailed data, the government can tailor policies to enhance economic growth. The move signifies a shift towards data-driven governance in India.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of digital penetration on economic growth in India.
- What are the objectives of the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey? How will it benefit the tourism sector?
- Estimate the significance of accurate economic data in policy-making. Provide suitable examples.
- Point out the challenges faced in conducting comprehensive surveys in India. Discuss potential solutions.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of digital penetration on economic growth in India.
- Digital penetration enhances communication and access to information, driving productivity.
- Increased internet access facilitates e-commerce, boosting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
- Digital skills development leads to job creation in tech-related fields.
- Improved access to digital services enhances financial inclusion and economic participation.
- Challenges include unequal access and digital literacy disparities, which can hinder growth.
2. What are the objectives of the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey? How will it benefit the tourism sector?
- The survey aims to assess household travel spending patterns and preferences.
- It evaluates classwise demand for different types of transport and accommodation.
- Data collected will inform policy decisions to enhance tourism infrastructure.
- can help in marketing strategies to attract domestic tourists.
- About spending behavior aids in budgeting and resource allocation for tourism development.
3. Estimate the significance of accurate economic data in policy-making. Provide suitable examples.
- Accurate data enables targeted policy interventions, improving economic outcomes.
- It helps identify growth sectors, allowing for strategic investments (e.g., tech sector growth).
- Real-time data supports responsive governance during economic crises (e.g., COVID-19 relief measures).
- Data-driven decisions enhance transparency and public trust in government actions.
- Examples include the use of economic data in formulating the GST framework and subsidy allocations.
4. Point out the challenges faced in conducting comprehensive surveys in India. Discuss potential solutions.
- Challenges include logistical difficulties in reaching remote areas and diverse populations.
- Data reliability issues arise from varying literacy levels and understanding of survey questions.
- Limited resources and funding can affect the scale and frequency of surveys.
- Solutions include leveraging technology for data collection and training surveyors effectively.
- Engaging local communities can improve participation and data accuracy.
