Key Reports from NITI Aayog & Economic Survey (ISS Relevant)

 NITI Aayog Reports

NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) is the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, replacing the Planning Commission in 2015. It publishes numerous data-driven reports and indices.

🔹 1. SDG India Index

• Tracks progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Composite index using statistical indicators for all states/UTs

• Data sources: MoSPI, NCRB, NHFS, etc.

🔹 2. Health Index

• Annual ranking of states/UTs based on health outcomes

• Indicators: IMR, MMR, disease burden, infrastructure

• Data sources: MoHFW, SRS, NFHS

🔹 3. School Education Quality Index (SEQI)

• Evaluates quality and performance of school education

• Includes parameters like enrolment, infrastructure, learning outcomes

🔹 4. Aspirational Districts Programme Dashboard

• Tracks development in 112 backward districts

• Based on 5 themes: Health, Education, Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure

🔹 5. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)

• Based on Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative (OPHI)

• Measures non-monetary dimensions of poverty

🔹 6. Strategy for New India @ 75

• Roadmap for economic and social transformation

• Provides benchmarks and statistical goals

🔹 7. Export Preparedness Index, Innovation Index, Composite Water Management Index, etc.

• These indices use official and survey-based data extensively

📘 II. Economic Survey of India (Prepared by Ministry of Finance)

Published annually before the Union Budget, this is one of the most critical documents for understanding India’s economic performance and statistical analysis.

🔹 1. Volume I – Analytical & Conceptual

• High-level trends and thematic chapters

• Often includes statistical modeling, regression, and forecasting

• Focuses on structural reforms and long-term development

🔹 2. Volume II – Sectoral Data & Trends

• Contains detailed statistical tables and indicators for:

  • Agriculture & Industry

  • GDP, GVA trends

  • Prices and inflation (CPI/WPI)

  • Employment-unemployment data (PLFS/NSSO)

  • Public finance statistics

  • External sector statistics (trade, BoP)

  • Social sector performance (health, education)

🔹 3. Statistical Appendix

• Comprehensive data on:

  • National Income

  • Money and Credit

  • Fiscal indicators

  • External sector

  • Social indicators

  • Infrastructure

🎯 Why These Reports Matter for ISS

• Help understand real-world application of statistics in governance

• Provide official data sources and methodologies

• Support essay writing, Paper II (Official Stats) with examples

• Great for quoting indices and statistical initiatives