Context
The National Statistical Office (NSO) has launched the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE), India’s first dedicated survey of the incorporated services sector.
The survey aims to build a comprehensive database for evidence-based policymaking, economic planning, and sectoral analysis.
About ASISSE
Objective
- To generate reliable and comprehensive data on the incorporated services sector.
- To support data-driven governance and macroeconomic analysis.
Legal Framework
- Conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
Sectoral Coverage
The survey covers major service sectors such as:
- Trade
- Transport
- Hospitality
- Information Technology (IT)
- Education
- Healthcare Enterprises Covered ASISSE includes:
- Companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956/2013
- Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) under the LLP Act, 2008
Significance of ASISSE
Strengthening Economic Data
- India’s services sector contributes over 50% of GDP and is a major employment generator.
- The survey will provide structured and reliable enterprise-level data.
Better Policymaking
- Enables targeted policy interventions in rapidly growing service industries.
- Helps assess productivity, employment, investment, and business performance.
Complementary Statistical Framework
ASISSE complements:
- Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) – Manufacturing sector
- Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) – Informal sector Together, these surveys create a comprehensive economic database.
Transparency and Participation
- The “Know Your Survey” initiative has been introduced to improve awareness, transparency, and participation among enterprises.
About National Statistical Office (NSO)
Formation
- Established in 2019 under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Components
The NSO includes:
- Central Statistical Office (CSO)
- National Sample Survey Office (NSSO)
Functions of CSO
- Compilation of:
- Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
Functions of NSSO
- Conducts large-scale socio-economic surveys such as:
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- Consumer Expenditure Surveys
- Health and social sector surveys
Challenges
- Ensuring accurate reporting by enterprises.
- Integrating large-scale digital data efficiently.
- Maintaining data privacy and statistical reliability.
Way Forward
- Improve digital survey infrastructure and awareness campaigns.
- Strengthen statistical capacity and data verification systems.
- Use survey findings for targeted service-sector reforms and employment generation.