New Delhi, August 31: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Punjab, to undertake a research study aimed at developing a predictive and analytical framework for estimating monthly consumption expenditure in India.
The collaboration will focus on using data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) to generate estimates of Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) at the national and state levels.The initiative is expected to support a deeper understanding of household consumption patterns and provide evidence that could assist in poverty assessment and broader macroeconomic planning.
MoSPI Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg was present at the MoU signing ceremony. The agreement was signed by Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Prof. Padmakumar Nair and R. Rajesh, Additional Director General in MoSPI’s Capacity Development Division.
Senior officials, including Dr. Chandramani Sharma, Additional Director General in the Coordination and Quality Control Division, and Dr. Saurabh Chakraborty, Deputy Director General in the Research and Analysis Division, were also present.
According to MoSPI, the research initiative represents another step towards exploring innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence and advanced analytical methods in official statistics.
The partnership also highlights the ministry’s increasing engagement with academic institutions to strengthen research and analytical capabilities in India’s statistical system.
The proposed framework is expected to contribute to improved analysis of household expenditure trends and support evidence-based policymaking and economic planning at both the national and state level.
