The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the draft questionnaire for the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026. This survey is crucial for evaluating the economic and operational characteristics of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in India. The survey excludes the construction sector but includes manufacturing, trade, and other services.

The ASUSE 2026 aims to measure various economic factors, including the number of workers, gross value added, emoluments paid, fixed assets owned, and outstanding loans. It will also gather data on operational characteristics like type of ownership, nature of operation, registration status, and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The survey is scheduled to begin in January 2026.

The ASUSE is conducted annually, and the ASUSE 2025 is currently underway from January to December 2025. The survey has garnered significant attention from government organizations, policymakers, and academicians. Recognizing the importance of the unincorporated sector, the National Statistical Office (NSO) has also started releasing a quarterly bulletin of unincorporated sectors (QBUSE) beginning with the January-March 2025 quarter. The second quarterly bulletin, for July-September 2025, is also available on the MoSPI website.

The unincorporated sector plays a vital role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment, gross domestic product, and the overall socio-economic landscape. It supports the incorporated sector by supplying goods and services, reinforcing its role in the domestic value chain and providing livelihoods for millions. The data collected through ASUSE is essential for policymaking, supporting National Accounts Statistics, and fulfilling the requirements of various ministries, such as the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and the Ministry of Textiles. This data empowers stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Suggestions and data requirements have been received from various stakeholders during the ongoing ASUSE 2025. Considering this feedback, modifications have been incorporated into the Enterprise Survey Unit (ESU) schedule of ASUSE 2026. The draft ESU Schedule of ASUSE 2026 is available on the MoSPI website for wider consultation. Researchers, policymakers, industry bodies, academic institutions, and the public are invited to review the schedule and provide feedback on its structure, content, and coverage. Feedback can be submitted until December 20.