India Modernises Statistical System Launches GIRG to Improve Global Rankings

India Moves to Upgrade Statistical Framework and Boost Global Rankings

India has announced a set of major reforms aimed at modernising its statistical architecture and improving its standing across international indices. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) confirmed that updates to core national indicators—such as GDP, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)—are underway to make economic measurements more accurate and aligned with global best practices.

Updating Methodologies for National Indicators

MoSPI periodically revises the Base Year for GDP, CPI and IIP to ensure they reflect contemporary economic structures and emerging consumption and production trends. These revisions incorporate improved datasets, updated survey frames and internationally recognised methodologies, strengthening the credibility of India’s macroeconomic indicators. The ministry emphasised that such updates are essential to capturing the economy’s structural shifts and ensuring compatibility with global reporting standards.

Global Indices for Reforms and Growth (GIRG) Initiative

To enhance India’s performance in global assessments, the government has operationalised the Global Indices for Reforms and Growth (GIRG) initiative. Covering 26 influential international indices across economy, governance, development and industry, GIRG uses coordinated inter-ministerial action to close performance gaps. The framework aims to ensure that international agencies use accurate, updated Indian data when ranking countries.

Nodal Ministries and Their Responsibilities

Seventeen nodal ministries have been assigned leadership roles for specific indices. Their responsibilities include reviewing methodologies used by rating agencies, verifying data inputs, and formulating sectoral reforms to improve India’s rankings. The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog acts as the central coordinating body, ensuring systematic evaluation and timely reporting.

Exam Oriented Facts

• GIRG covers 26 global indices across four themes .

• 17 nodal ministries coordinate improvement efforts.

• DMEO, NITI Aayog serves as overall coordinator.

• MoSPI revises the Base Year of GDP, CPI and IIP to align with global norms.

Strengthening Data Integrity and Policy Outcomes

Minister Rao Inderjit Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that all concerned ministries are required to adopt corrective measures to ensure measurable advancements in ranking parameters. The government views accurate statistics and improved global positioning as critical for investment, governance and long-term economic strategy.