New Delhi: In a move poised to provide unprecedented insights into India's economic landscape, the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026 will, for the first time, track digital adoption among unincorporated firms. This initiative by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) marks a significant step towards understanding the role of technology in this crucial sector. The survey, scheduled to begin in January 2026, aims to assess the health of the unincorporated non-agricultural sector by examining key indicators, including sources of business funding, challenges encountered by establishments, and reasons for remaining unregistered.
The unincorporated sector plays a vital role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment, gross domestic product (GDP), and the overall socio-economic landscape. These enterprises not only sustain livelihoods for millions but also act as a backbone for the incorporated sector by supplying goods and services, reinforcing their role in the domestic value chain. ASUSE 2026 aims to measure various economic and operational characteristics of these non-agricultural establishments in manufacturing, trade, and other service sectors, excluding construction.
The survey will gather data on several economic characteristics, including the number of workers, gross value added, emoluments paid, fixed assets owned, and outstanding loans. It will also collect information on operational characteristics such as type of ownership, nature of operation, registration status, and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). By including digital adoption as a key metric, ASUSE 2026 will offer valuable insights into how technology impacts the performance and growth of these enterprises.
The data collected through ASUSE is crucial for informed 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 policymakers and other stakeholders to make informed, data-driven decisions.
MoSPI has already invited feedback on the draft survey schedule from policymakers, researchers, industry bodies, and the public by December 20, 2025. This inclusive approach aims to enhance the quality, coverage, and relevance of the survey. The ministry has been conducting ASUSE annually since 2021-22, with the ASUSE 2025 survey currently underway from January to December 2025. The findings of ASUSE 2025 are expected to be released in March 2026.
Recognizing the critical role of the unincorporated sector and aiming to enhance the availability of high-frequency data, the National Statistical Office (NSO) has also started releasing a quarterly bulletin of the unincorporated sector (QBUSE) starting from the January-March 2025 quarter. This move reflects the government's commitment to providing timely and relevant data for effective policy interventions.
The inclusion of digital adoption in ASUSE 2026 aligns with the broader trend of digital transformation in India. As more small businesses embrace technology, their potential for growth and job creation increases significantly. Previous ASUSE surveys have indicated a strong relationship between enterprise productivity and employment expansion, with a 10% increase in Gross Value Added (GVA) associated with a 4.5% increase in the number of hired workers. By tracking digital adoption, ASUSE 2026 will provide valuable insights into how technology can further unlock the potential of these enterprises and contribute to India's economic growth.
