In a significant move to modernize data access, India’s National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has rolled out the beta version of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. Announced on Friday, this platform integrates seamlessly with the national e-Statistics Portal, enabling users to connect their AI tools directly to official datasets without the hassle of downloading massive files.
The initiative aims to democratize access to government statistics for citizens, researchers, and businesses alike. Currently featuring seven key data products—including the Periodic Labour Force Survey, Consumer Price Index, Annual Survey of Industries, Index of Industrial Production, National Accounts Statistics, Wholesale Price Index, and Environment Statistics—the server promises expansions in the coming months.
What sets the MCP server apart is its user-friendly protocol. It allows direct querying of datasets, integration into analytical tools, automation of reports using official stats, and access to multiple datasets via a single connection. This shift minimizes time spent on data retrieval, freeing up resources for genuine analysis and informed decision-making.
MoSPI emphasizes that this development is a cornerstone in building India’s data infrastructure for a developed nation. By empowering data-driven policymaking at all government levels and equipping citizens with better insights, the MCP server fosters greater participation in national development.
Timed ahead of the AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 15-20, 2026, the launch underscores NSO’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies like AI to transform the data ecosystem. Aligned with Working Group 6 on Democratizing AI, chaired by Secretary Dr. Saurabh Garg, it fulfills promises of making official data accessible and technology-agnostic.
By removing barriers between users and statistics, the server accelerates workflows for analysts, enables smarter business decisions, and provides policymakers instant access to critical numbers. Government data is now primed to fit into the AI tools people already use daily.
The current release covers economic and social indicators across seven datasets, with more products from the e-Statistics Portal to be added gradually based on user feedback and technical readiness. Access is available via the ministry’s website, complete with technical documentation and support.