India to launch its first-ever Nationwide Household Income Survey in 2026

On June 23, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced the formation of a Techical Expert Group (TEG) to steer India's inaugural full-scale household income distribution survey in 2026. While the National Sample Survey (NSS) has been operating for over 70 years, it has never conducted an extensive income survey like this one. There were attempts made earlier - from pilot phases to experimental rounds between 1955 and 1984 but were shelved due to issues related to data reliability.

This upcoming survey aims to bridge this data gap by providing extensive, reliable insights into household income of various socioeconomic groups. This data is expected to serve as a key macroeconomic indicator, assisting in evidence-based policymaking, improved welfare schemes, and offering a transparent picture of income inequality in India. The TEG will be chaired by economist Dr. Surjit S. Bhalla, former Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Other members include academic and domain experts such as Professors Sonalde Desai, Aloke Kar, Ram Singh, Praveen Jha, Srijit Mishra, and Drs. Tirthankar Patnaik and Rajesh Shukla, along with senior representatives from MoSPI and other central ministries.

The expert panel has been assigned to finalise the survey’s methodology, estimation techniques and sampling framework. It will also monitor best global practices and incorporate technological advancements to improve the depth and accuracy of data collection. This new income survey will complement MoSPI’s expanding suite of annual economic and social surveys, including those on unincorporated enterprises, capital expenditure, service sectors, and domestic tourism. Together, these efforts are aimed at enhancing the statistical infrastructure of India and supporting more effective and inclusive economic planning.