The National Statistics Office (NSO) has unveiled a beta version of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, a new data access interface that allows users to plug official government statistics directly into artificial intelligence (AI) tools and analytics platforms. The initiative marks a significant step toward modernising how public data is accessed, analysed, and consumed in India.
The MCP server was launched on February 6 under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and is integrated with eSankhyiki, the government’s national repository of official statistics.
Direct Data Access Without Large Downloads
The MCP technology enables users to query datasets in real time without downloading large files, allowing seamless integration with custom AI models, business intelligence tools, and automated reporting systems. This approach significantly reduces the time and effort traditionally required to access and process official statistical data.
“This means less time spent on data access and more time on actual analysis and decision making,” the ministry said in a statement announcing the launch.
By supporting real-time queries, the MCP server is designed to improve data-driven decision-making across government, research institutions, and the private sector.
Key Datasets Available in the Beta Release
The beta version of the MCP server currently includes seven major statistical products, widely used by policymakers, economists, and analysts:
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
- Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
- National Accounts Statistics (NAS)
- Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
- Environmental Statistics
According to MoSPI, additional datasets will be added in the coming months, based on user feedback and technical readiness.
Designed for Researchers, Businesses, and Policymakers
The NSO said the MCP server is intended to make official statistics more accessible to citizens, researchers, startups, enterprises, and government agencies. By allowing access to multiple datasets through a single connection, the system eliminates the need for manual downloads and repetitive data processing.
“The MCP server allows users to query datasets directly, integrate official statistics into their own analysis tools, automate reports using current data, and access multiple datasets through a single connection,” the ministry said.
Part of India’s Broader AI and Data Strategy
The launch comes ahead of the AI Impact Summit scheduled for February 15–20, 2026, and signals the government’s intent to generate “real impact in the data ecosystem using emerging technologies like AI,” according to the ministry.
Users can access the MCP server via the MoSPI website, with more statistical products from the eSankhyiki portal expected to be onboarded progressively.
A Step Toward AI-Ready Public Data Infrastructure
With the MCP server, the National Statistics Office is laying the foundation for an AI-ready public data infrastructure, enabling faster insights, automated analytics, and smarter policymaking. The initiative reflects a growing focus on making India’s official statistics machine-readable, interoperable, and future-ready.
