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The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, hereby notifies the revised Guidelines for Statistical Data Dissemination (GSDD), 2026, in supersession of GSDD 2019, to provide seamless access to official statistics while protecting data privacy.

Detailed Summary

The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, has notified the revised Guidelines for Statistical Data Dissemination (GSDD), 2026, effective from its publication date in the Official Gazette. These new guidelines supersede the GSDD 2019, which were originally formulated in line with the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) developed by the Ministry of Science & Technology in March 2012. The primary objective of the GSDD 2026 is to ensure seamless access to official statistics for all stakeholders, including government, semi-government, and private users, while strictly adhering to existing legal provisions for data privacy in India. The guidelines apply to all data collated, compiled, and produced by the National Statistics Office (NSO), MoSPI. Data is categorized into Shareable (Category A: open access, Category B: registered access, Category C: restricted access) and Non-Shareable. Category A data, such as National Accounts and Consumer Price Index, is freely available without registration. Category B data, including unit level NSS data, requires a one-time registration for free non-commercial use, but is priced for commercial use, and foreign users must be affiliated with a Government of India recognized institution. Category C data, which encompasses UFS Block Maps, Statistical Business Register (SBR) data, and Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) Panel Data/Frame, requires prior authorization and may be priced for certain uses or users, with SBR data exclusively for Government of India and State/UT Governments. Non-shareable data includes information compromising national security or containing individual identification particulars. These guidelines operate in conjunction with the Collection of Statistics (CoS) Act, 2008, NDSAP 2012, Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, and the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Data dissemination occurs through MoSPI's website (https://www.mospi.gov.in) and microdata portal (https://microdata.gov.in), with specific contact points for accessing Category C data. Misuse of data, including unauthorized access or commercial exploitation, is subject to penal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the DPDP Act, 2023.

Full Text

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-07052026-272304 EXTRAORDINARY PART I—Section 1 PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 122] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2026/VAISAKHA 16, 1948 MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 27th April, 2026 No. Y-18020/9/2017-IIIC/CAP(Part).—In line with the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) formulated by Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India in March 2012, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, notified the Guidelines for Statistical Data Dissemination (GSDD) in 2019, to define shareable and non-shareable statistical data generated by MoSPI and other statistical agencies, specify the terms and conditions for their dissemination. Keeping in view technological advancements and the evolving practices of data dissemination, GSDD 2019 has been reviewed and revised. Accordingly, in supersession of the GSDD 2019, MoSPI, Government of India, with an aim to provide seamless access to official statistics to all stakeholders including government, semi-government, and private users while protecting data privacy as per existing legal provisions in India, hereby notifies the revised GSDD, 2026 as per the details given in the Schedule appended to this Notification. The revised guidelines shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. SCHEDULE Revised Guidelines for Statistical Data Dissemination (GSDD) (in accordance with NDSAP, 2012) Background: 1. Official statistics are vital for decision-making, policy development, and research in both public and private sectors. Recognizing the requirement and potential of effective dissemination of data to stakeholders, the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India announced the National Policy on Dissemination of Statistical Data in May, 1999 to streamline the statistical data dissemination system. Further, in March 2012, the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India formulated the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) with an objective to facilitate access to Government of India owned shareable data (along with its usage information) in machine readable form through a wide area network all over the country. As per NDSAP, Ministries/Departments are required to classify their different types of datasets generated both in geospatial and non-spatial form in terms of ‘shareable data' and ‘non-shareable data', and come out with a pricing policy of the data under restricted access. In accordance with NDSAP 2012, MoSPI, in 2019, laid down the Guidelines for Statistical Data Dissemination (GSDD) to define shareable and non-shareable statistical data generated by MoSPI and other statistical agencies, specify the terms and conditions for its dissemination and pricing within the overall framework laid down in NDSAP, 2012. Objective: 2. With the passage of time and technological advancements, the modes of data dissemination have undergone major transformation requiring a modification of the existing guidelines. In the above backdrop, the revised GSDD are being notified to provide seamless access of statistical data to all stakeholders including Government, semi-Government, private data users, and promote data-driven decision making while protecting the privacy as per prevalent legal provisions. The objective of these guidelines is to facilitate easy access of official statistics to all the users while implementing the most fundamental requirement for official statistics i.e. protecting confidentiality, and eventually leading to data-driven governance and inclusive development of one and all as per prevalent legal provisions in India. Scope: 3. These guidelines apply to all data collated, compiled and produced by the National Statistics Office (NSO), MoSPI either directly or using data received from various Ministries, Departments, or Organisations. 3.1 Words and expressions used in these guidelines and not defined but defined in the Collection of Statistics (CoS) Act, 2008, National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) 2012, Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and the rules framed thereunder shall have the same meanings as assigned to them in the said Act and Rules. These Guidelines shall further be read in conjunction with, and subject to, all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and governmental guidelines relating to confidentiality and data privacy, as in force from time to time in India. Data Classification: 4. MoSPI collects, compiles and disseminates data on a number of sectors on a regular basis, besides conducting a variety of large-scale surveys across the country and publishing their results. The data classifications and list of shareable and non-shareable datasets are subject to modification by MoSPI from time to time. All the data will be categorized as under: A. Shareable data: A.1 Datasets, which do not compromise national security, if made public, or those which do not contain identification particulars of individual informants as well as establishments, would generally be considered shareable. A.2 All entities/users accessing registered/restricted datasets shall independently ensure compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and Rules framed thereunder for any further processing of personal data. A.3 The shareable datasets are further categorized as follows: A.3.1) Category A (open access data): Aggregated/analyzed information and publications which will be shared free of cost with users. This includes the following types of data, which is illustrative: (i) Data relating to National Accounts (ii) Consumer Price Index (CPI) (iii) Index of Industrial Production (IIP) - at NIC 2-digit level (iv) Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) Volume I (v) ASI Summary Results for Factory Sector (vi) Reports of Central Statistics (vii) Reports/factsheets of National Sample Surveys (NSS). A.3.2) Category B (Registered access data): (i) This includes primary unit level data collected by MoSPI through surveys/censuses, and item level data collected from secondary sources, after suppression or anonymisation of the identification details of individuals/ households/ establishments. Such data can be accessed by registration. This includes the following types of data: (a) Unit level data of Economic Census (b) Unit level NSS data (c) Item level IIP data (d) Urban Frame Survey (UFS) summary data with town-wise complete information of Investigator Units, UFS block numbers, number of households, area type along with metadata except for the areas for which field work of the UFS has been carried out only with the specific permission from military/ para-military authorities etc. (ii) The registered access data will be made available free of cost only for non-commercial use including study/research purposes and use by the agencies of Government of India and the Government of State/UTs. (iii) For commercial use by individuals and entities ("Commercial use" refers to utilization of data for activities primarily intended to generate profit, including but not limited to the development, marketing, or sale of products, services, or reports derived directly or indirectly from the data), the registered access data shall be priced in accordance with the pricing policy as decided by MoSPI from time to time. (iv) For foreign users (individuals and entities) to access data, they must be associated/affiliated with an Institution or organization (e.g. university or a research institution or other organization) that is officially recognized by the Government of India. A.3.3) Category C (Restricted access data): A.3.3.1 This includes the maps of UFS blocks, data of Statistical Business Register (SBR) based on the Economic Census (containing identification particulars of establishments/proprietors) and frame and panel data of Annual Survey of Industries (ASI). A.3.3.2 Access to UFS Block Maps: (i) These maps will be made available free of cost to Government Agencies (Central and State) in India, subject to prior authorization. (ii) For all other users, including for commercial and non-commercial purposes, the maps shall be made available subject to prior authorization and shall be priced in accordance with the pricing policy as decided by MoSPI from time to time A.3.3.3 Access to Statistical Business Register (SBR) Data: (i) This restricted data shall be available only to Government of India agencies and State/UT Governments, subject to prior authorization. (ii) It shall be provided free of cost for agencies of Government of India and the Government of State/UTs. (iii) It shall be non-shareable for Non-Government agencies. A.3.3.4 Access to ASI Panel Data: (i) ASI panel data will be made available from ASI 1998-99 onwards on request basis, free of charge to Academic/Research Institutes, Universities and Other Non-Government agencies for non-commercial purposes only and for use by agencies of Government of India and the Government of State/UTs, subject to prior authorization. (ii) For commercial use by individuals and entities, the Panel Data shall be made available subject to prior authorization and shall be priced in accordance with the pricing policy prescribed by MoSPI from time to time. A.3.3.5 Access to ASI Frame: (i) The restricted ASI frame particulars (viz. Name of the Unit, Address of the Unit, Place of the Unit, State Code, State Name, District Code, District Name, Industry Code (4-digit NIC), Total Persons Engaged) shall be available on request free of charge to Academic/Research Institutes, Universities and Other Non-Government agencies for non- commercial purposes only and to agencies of Government of India and the Government of State/UTs, subject to prior authorization. (ii) For commercial use by individuals and entities, the Panel Data shall be made available subject to prior authorization and shall be priced in accordance with the pricing policy prescribed by MoSPI from time to time. A.3.3.6 Restricted access data will not be made available to foreign users (individuals and entities), other than any such users as may be decided by MoSPI. B. Non-Shareable data: B.1 This includes all datasets which are outside the purview of shareable data. The non- sharable data will comprise of the Negative List (as specified under the provisions of NDSAP, 2012). These include but not limited to the following: B.1.1 The UFS data or maps of areas for which the field work of UFS was carried out only with the specific permission from security agencies, etc. B.1.2 Data sets containing identification particulars of individual informants/establishments. Some examples in this category are identification particulars of informants/establishments in unit level data of IIP, ASI and NSO sample surveys; and data on prices collected from different shops of various rural and urban markets selected for preparation of CPI. B.1.3 Any data which can be directly or indirectly used to reveal the identity or information of individual informant. B.1.4 Intermediate worksheets on data scrutiny & tabulation etc., for preparation of results / technical documents of NSO. B.1.5 CAPEX Survey unit level data. B.1.6 Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) frame data. Dissemination: 5. Dissemination of shareable data will be guided by a set of internationally accepted principles of openness, equitableness, flexibility, transparency, legal conformity, quality, security, accountability, etc. and will be implemented without infringing the principles laid down in the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Further, keeping citizens' requirement as the focus, the following guidelines are laid down to ensure easy, user friendly and timely dissemination: 5.1 Access to all shareable data will be made available through the MoSPI's website and microdata portal. 5.2 All shareable data will be presented in a clear and understandable form and metadata will be made available in standard format. 5.3 Calendar of release of data will be made available in advance on MoSPI's website. 5.4 Changes in dissemination schedule, if any, will be publicly announced in advance. 5.5 All data transfers will be made by using adequate security protocols to protect user privacy. 5.6 The data dissemination authority of MoSPI will adopt best anonymization technique to remove identifiable information, in compliance with DPDP Act, 2023 and Rules framed thereunder, and any other applicable privacy laws, prior to sharing data. 5.7 How to Access Data: 5.7.1 Access to data under Category A: Visit MoSPI's website (https://www.mospi.gov.in) to explore Category A (open access) data of MoSPI, available free without registration. 5.7.2 Access to data under Category B: Access to data under Category B shall be provided through MoSPI's microdata portal (https://microdata.gov.in/). 5.7.2.1 Non-commercial use: One-time registration on MoSPI's official Microdata portal (https://microdata.gov.in/) is required. Upon registration, the Application for Registered Access Data (Annex-I) is to be completed and submitted via the online portal. Users can also refer to User Manual to Download Microdata, available on the portal for reference. The application also provides a Data Access Agreement/Undertaking which is to be complied with to protect data privacy and security. 5.7.2.2 Commercial use: Entities and individuals intending to use data for commercial purposes must register on Microdata Portal (https://microdata.gov.in/). Users must submit a detailed proposal specifying the intended use of the data (demonstrating a legitimate business need) along with the specific datasets requested and the confidentiality safeguards in place, along with a Data Access Agreement/Undertaking, as per Annex-I. All entities and individuals must submit the undertaking affirming compliance with prescribed data protection standards. Access to be provided through Microdata Portal with payment of charges as per the pricing policy as decided by MoSPI from time to time. 5.7.3 Access to data under Category C: All applications for accessing shareable data under Category 'C' must be submitted to: 5.7.3.1 Access to UFS Block Maps: Field Operations Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Sankhiyiki Bhawan, GPOA Building at CBD Shahdara, Near Karkardooma Court, Delhi-110032, Tel: 011-22388155, Email: [email protected]. 5.7.3.2 Access to Statistical Business Register (SBR) Data: Economics Statistics Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Khurshid Lal Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001; Tel: 011-23455115; Email: [email protected]. 5.7.3.3 Access to ASI Panel Data: Data Informatics & Innovation Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), East Block-10, R. K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066 Email: [email protected] 5.7.3.4 Access to ASI Frame: Enterprise Survey Division, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), 1, Council House Street, Kolkata – 700001 Email: [email protected] 5.7.4 Application Process: 5.7.4.1 For Government of India and State/UT Agencies: Submit the application as per Annex-I. Approval is subject to authorization by MoSPI. 5.7.4.2 For others including those requiring data access for commercial use: Submit the application as per Annex-I. Access will be provided after authorization by MoSPI and payment of applicable charges as per the pricing policy, as decided by MoSPI from time to time. 5.8 Multiple options for downloading the data file in popular formats (.csv, .xlsx, .dbf and database formats, etc.) along with its metadata will be made available. 5.9 Availability of revised final data along with specific reason for the revision should be expressly communicated in the website. Review of the Guidelines: 6. Users are encouraged to submit feedback for improvements in data dissemination via MoSPI website (https://mospi.gov.in/feedback) or at email: [email protected]. These guidelines will be periodically reviewed by MoSPI, duly considering users feedback. Monitoring & implementation: 7. An oversight committee will be constituted for facilitating the implementation of the policy and its provisions thereof. SUPREET SINGH GULATI, Jt. Secy. Annex-I Application for Registered/Restricted Access Data under Category ‘B' & ‘C’1 +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Type of Data Use | Non-Commercial Use/ Commercial Use | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Category of applicant | Individual/Organization | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Organization Details (if applicable) | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Name of organization | | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Category of organization | o Government Ministry/ Department | | | o Government agency (PSU, Autonomous | | | body, etc.) | | | Specify: | | | o University | | | o Research Centre | | | o Private Company | | | o International organization | | | o Indian Non-governmental organization | | | o Non-Indian Non-governmental organization | | | o Others | | | Specify: | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Applicant Information | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Name of applicant | Title: | | | First Name: | | | Middle Name: | | | Last Name: | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Designation/Role | | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Citizenship: | | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Postal address | | | (Include street, city, | | | state, postal code, country)| | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Contact No. | | | (Include country code) | | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Email Address | | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Affiliation Details (if applicable) | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | For Indian Citizens Affiliated with Foreign Universities/Organizations | | If the applicant is an Indian citizen working with a foreign university or organization, provide details of the affiliation | +-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ 1 Category C (i.e. Restricted access data) is not available to foreign individuals/entities. +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Name of Foreign Organization:| | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Type of Organization: | o University | | | o Research Institution | | | o Others | | | Specify: | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Address of Foreign Organization:| | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | For Non-Indian Applicants | | If the applicant is a foreign user (individual or organization), provide details of the Indian organization (e.g., | | university or research institution) officially recognized by the Government of India with which the applicant is | | associated/affiliated. | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Name of Indian Organization| | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Type of Indian Organization| o University | | | o Research Institution | | | o Others | | | Specify: | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Address of Indian Organization:| | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Purpose of Data Use | +----------------------------+------------------------------------------+ | Description of intended use of data: Provide a clear summary of how the data will be used (e.g., academic | | research, policy analysis, statistical modelling, commercial product development, etc.). Include the project's | | objectives, expected outcomes, and how the data supports these goals. | | (Limit to 200 words) | +-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+ Data Access Agreement/Undertaking I/We [Full Name/Organization Name], hereby solemnly undertake and agree to comply with the following terms and conditions for accessing and using the requested data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI): 1. Access to requested data shall be limited to the applicant, and in case of application made on behalf of an organization, to the authorized personnel in the organization, except in the case of academic institutions. The data shall not be shared with any individual or organization without prior approval from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). In case of academic institutions, the data can be shared with researchers/students of the institution for academic purposes, subject to the maintenance of confidentiality of the data. 2. The data shall be used only for the stated purpose(s) and not for illegal purposes. Data obtained for non-commercial use shall not be used for commercial purposes. 3. No attempt shall be made to directly or indirectly identify any individual person, family, business, enterprise, etc. If such a unique disclosure occurs inadvertently, the identification shall not be revealed to anyone nor any use shall be made of the identity of any person/ entity discovered, and full details in such cases shall be reported to MoSPI immediately. 4. The applicant shall implement adequate security measures (e.g., password protection, secure storage, etc.) to prevent unauthorized access to data acquired. Any possible unauthorized disclosure shall be immediately reported to MoSPI. 5. All individuals who have access to the data shall be made aware of the required security requirements and procedures. 6. The use of data must be consistent with the provisions of Collection of Statistics (CoS) Act, 2008, National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) 2012, Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and other prevalent confidentiality & data privacy rules/policies/ guidelines of the Government and laws of the country, as amended from time to time. 7. Any books, articles, papers, theses, reports, publications, etc. that employ data obtained under this request, shall cite the data source in accordance with the established norms/ practices. 8. MoSPI shall bear no responsibility for use of the data or for any interpretation based on it. 9. Any additional requirements notified by MoSPI regarding data access and use shall be complied with. 10. Any wrongful use of data, including unauthorized access, disclosure, or commercial misuse that compromises confidentiality, shall be subject to penal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and other applicable laws including debarment/blacklisting from future access to MoSPI data. 11. MoSPI reserves the right to suspend or revoke access to data in case of any breach of these terms. The applicant shall provide necessary assistance to MoSPI to investigate any alleged or actual breach of these terms and conditions within timelines as may be decided by MoSPI. 12. The applicant shall indemnify MoSPI against any loss or damage arising from misuse of the data. 13. This Undertaking shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Law of the Land and the Courts at New Delhi shall have exclusive jurisdiction over all matters arising out of or in connection with this undertaking. 14. I/We hereby certify that all information provided is complete, accurate, and correct, and any changes shall be reported to MoSPI immediately. 15. In signing this Undertaking, I/We understand and acknowledge any false information furnished or violation of these terms may result in legal and administrative action, including restrictions on data access as per policy or any other action as applicable under the rules/policies/ guidelines of the Government and laws of the country. Place: Date: Applicant Signature: Name (in Block Letters): Designation (if applicable): Organization (if applicable): Submission Instructions: Submit the completed form via: * MoSPI's official Microdata portal (https://microdata.gov.in/) for access to Category B data after registration * For access to Category C data: * To Field Operations Division, MoSPI, Sankhiyiki Bhawan, GPOA Building at CBD Shahdara, Near Karkardooma Court, Delhi-110032, email: [email protected] for access to UFS Block Maps data, * To Economics Statistics Division, MoSPI, Khurshid Lal Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001, Tel: 011-23455115, Email: [email protected] for access to Statistical Business Register (SBR) Data * To Data Informatics & Innovation Division, MoSPI, East Block-10, R. K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066, Email: [email protected] for access to ASI Panel Data * To Enterprise Survey Division, MoSPI, 1, Council House Street, Kolkata – 700001, Email: [email protected] for access to ASI Frame * Or as directed by MoSPI guidelines from time to time. Note: The personal data collected through the above application form will be used only for verification, communication, authorization, etc. in accordance with DPDP Act, 2023 and Rules framed thereunder.

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