The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has undertaken a landmark statistical exercise, conducting the first comprehensive study of India’s unincorporated construction sector in several decades.
The initiative aims to generate reliable and detailed data on a segment that constitutes a significant portion of the country’s construction activity but has traditionally remained underrepresented in official statistics.
According to officials, the survey covers small and informal construction units, including independent contractors, small builders, and household enterprises operating outside the formal corporate framework. The findings are expected to provide crucial insights into employment patterns, productivity levels, and contribution to the overall economy.
MoSPI stated that the study will help strengthen evidence-based policymaking by offering a clearer understanding of the sector’s structure and challenges. It will also assist in improving national accounts and refining estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The exercise is part of the broader efforts to modernize India’s statistical systems and enhance data coverage of the informal economy, which plays a vital role in livelihoods and economic activity.
Experts believe that the move could pave the way for better-targeted policies, improved access to credit, and enhanced social security measures for workers engaged in the unincorporated construction sector.
Officials described the initiative as a “major step forward” in bridging long-standing data gaps and aligning India’s statistical practices with global standards.