Government Sets Up Panel to Help with 2026 All-India Income Distribution Survey

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has initiated a significant step towards understanding income disparities across India by forming a technical expert group (TEG). 

Scheduled for execution in 2026, this national income distribution survey will be guided by a panel comprising leading economists and statisticians under the chairmanship of Surjit S Bhalla.

Expert Group Formed for All-India Income Distribution Survey

MoSPI formally announced the constitution of the TEG with Surjit S Bhalla, former Executive Director of India at the International Monetary Fund, as its chairman. The group is tasked with overseeing vital aspects of the 2026 All-India Income Distribution Survey. 

This initiative marks the government’s renewed attempt to generate credible household income data, which so far has remained a challenging domain for Indian statistical agencies.

The expert group comprises distinguished members, including:

• Aloke Kar, Former Professor, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata
• Sonalde Desai, National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi
• Praveen Jha, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, JNU
• Srijit Mishra, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad
• Tirthankar Patnaik, Chief Economist, NSE
• Rajesh Shukla, Managing Director and CEO, People Research on India’s Consumer Economy
• Ram Singh, Director, Delhi School of Economics

Survey Objectives and Methodological Blueprint

According to MoSPI’s statement, this national-level survey seeks to measure household income distribution in India and assess the impact of technological adoption on earnings. The TEG will play a central role in establishing conceptual clarity, defining key parameters, and designing statistically rigorous methods.

The responsibilities of the TEG include:

• Finalising key definitions and concepts
• Designing sampling mechanisms and estimation methods
• Establishing survey instruments and field protocols
• Ensuring global best practices in household income measurement are incorporated
• Advising on the finalisation and release of the survey report

Legacy of Past Income Data Collection Attempts

Despite the National Sample Survey (NSS) being internationally noted for its comprehensive statistical surveys since 1950, a reliable and focused income distribution dataset for the entire nation has eluded completion. 

MoSPI’s prior efforts included experimental components within its consumer expenditure surveys conducted in the 9th round (May 1955 to September 1955) and the 14th round (July 1958 to June 1959), although no final reports followed.

Further, the Integrated Household Survey (IHS) provided data on receipts and disbursements in the 19th round (July 1964 to June 1965) and the 24th round (July 1969 to June 1970). However, the significant mismatch between estimated income and combined consumption and savings raised questions regarding data reliability. 

NSS also conducted a pilot income survey in 1983 to 1984, yet it did not scale into an All-India survey.

This 2026 initiative is aimed at addressing data gaps and scientific rigor concerns that hampered previous income data collection attempts.

Strategic Importance in the Policy Landscape

India’s economic policymaking traditionally relies on consumption data, which, while useful, does not provide a full picture of income inequality or distribution pressures. Income data, especially when paired with insights on how technology has influenced earnings and labour patterns, will offer the government sharper tools for welfare scheme targeting and fiscal planning.

In a fast-digitising economy, technological interventions in agriculture, services and gig economy platforms have reshaped household income sources. This new survey aspires to quantify such transformations, enabling fact-based decisions for India's next stage of inclusive economic development.

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Role of TEG in Capacity Building and Expert Collaboration

The TEG is also authorised to collaborate with additional subject matter experts from both within and outside government agencies. It may co-opt new members based on evolving requirements, subject to approval from relevant authorities. Further, the group can invite domain specialists as special invitees for consultations and capacity-building exercises.

This inclusionary structure offers flexibility for MoSPI to augment its data collection systems with the latest academic and industry expertise, thus ensuring robustness of survey outputs.

Conclusion

The formation of the expert group highlights MoSPI’s renewed commitment to kickstart a reliable and comprehensive income distribution survey in 2026. Led by Surjit S Bhalla and supported by an array of leading economic minds, TEG's role will be pivotal in enabling India to close a critical statistical gap. 

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