mospi-revamps-microdata-portal-with-ai-support

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) has unveiled a revamped Microdata portal aimed at improving data accessibility, enhancing user experience, and integrating cutting-edge technologies within the Official Statistical System.

 

The upgraded portal serves as a centralised platform for a wide array of statistical data gathered through national surveys and economic censuses. It addresses the technical limitations of the previous system and offers a modern, scalable framework developed in collaboration with the World Bank Technology Team.

 

According to the ministry, the platform aligns with the latest security protocols and provides a responsive design for seamless data access across devices.

 

Available at https://microdata.gov.in/, the portal allows users to efficiently search, retrieve, and analyse datasets that are crucial for research, planning, and policy formulation.

 

Alongside the new portal, MOSPI also launched the website for the National Statistical System Training Academy (NSSTA), accessible via www.nssta.gov.in.

 

This platform aims to centralise all information related to the ministry’s capacity-building initiatives, offering streamlined access to training resources for statistical professionals.

 

In another significant move, the ministry presented a Proof of Concept for an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) based classification tool that simplifies the use of the National Industrial Classification (NIC).

 

This tool employs Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques to enable users to input text queries, which are then matched with the five most relevant NIC codes.

 

The AI-driven tool is expected to drastically reduce manual effort, increase enumerator productivity, and improve the accuracy of data collection. This, in turn, will support more efficient planning and evidence-based policymaking.

 

All components, including the portal and websites, have been developed internally by the ministry’s Data Informatics & Innovation Division. These launches highlight the ministry’s ongoing commitment to modernising India’s statistical infrastructure and embracing digital transformation for improved governance.