India to Launch Landmark Income Distribution Survey in 2026

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched a technical expert group under the chairmanship of Surjit S Bhalla, aiming to lead an ambitious income distribution survey scheduled for 2026. This initiative signifies a pivotal step towards comprehensive national data collection efforts.

The newly formed group will assist the National Statistics Office in designing and executing the survey, covering the finalization of concepts, crafting survey instruments, and employing best international practices. A key objective is to assess how technology adoption influences household income levels across India.

The expert committee comprises esteemed members from academia and industry, including Aloke Kar, Sonalde Desai, and Praveen Jha, among others. While the National Sample Survey has long been a cornerstone in Indian statistics, this venture into income distribution marks a novel expansion, potentially impacting policymaking significantly.

(With inputs from agencies.)