MoSPI and Pahle India Foundation Sign MoU on October 8, 2026

What happened

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Pahle India Foundation (PIF) in New Delhi on October 8, 2026 ^[1][15]. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in official statistics, data analysis, research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building ^[1].

The agreement was signed by Ms. Sunitha Bhaskar, Additional Director General at MoSPI, and Mr. Ravi Pokharna, Executive Director of the Pahle India Foundation ^[1]. Key figures present at the ceremony included Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI; Shri P. R. Meshram, Director General of MoSPI; Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Chairperson of PIF; and Shri Ashish Kumar, Chief Statistician of PIF ^[1][15].

Why it matters

The MoU establishes a broad framework for cooperation between government statistical authorities and independent research institutions based on MoSPI's institutional priorities ^[1][15]. By combining official statistical infrastructure with external analytical expertise, the collaboration is structured to support skill development, advanced data analysis, and the continuous strengthening of India's official statistical ecosystem ^[15].

What to watch

Observers will monitor the rollout of specific collaborative research projects, capacity-building workshops, and joint data analysis initiatives undertaken under the framework of this agreement according to MoSPI priorities ^[1].

Sources

1. MoSPI signs MoU with Pahle India Foundation, New Delhi to strengthen collaboration in Official Statistics, Research and Data Analysis: pib.gov.in
2. MoSPI Signs MoU with Pahle India Foundation for Statistics psuconnect.in