Source: IE
Why in News?
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revised India’s national accounts. GDP base year shifted from 2011–12 to 2022–23 to improve accuracy and align with global statistical standards.
What is GDP Base Year?
- A base year is a reference year used to calculate Real GDP by removing inflation effects.
- It reflects a year with relatively stable prices and economic structure.
- Helps measure actual growth in output and production, not just price changes.
New Base Year
- Earlier base year: 2011–12
- Revised base year: 2022–23 (FY23)
- Updated periodically to align with the System of National Accounts (SNA).
Objective of the Revision
- Reflect modern economic structure and consumption patterns.
- Capture growth of digital economy and new industries.
- Improve measurement of informal and gig sectors.
- Align with global statistical best practices.
Key Methodological Changes
Advanced Inflation Adjustment (Deflation)
- Number of price indicators increased significantly (approx. 180 → 600).
- Sector-specific price indices replace broad economy-wide deflators.
- Double deflation introduced in manufacturing and agriculture:
- Inputs and outputs deflated separately.
- Prevents raw material price changes from appearing as production growth.
Better Measurement of Informal & Household Sector
- Uses updated annual data instead of outdated proxies.
- Data sources include:
- Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprise (ASUSE)
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
- Explicit tracking of gig and platform workers.
Integration of Big Data & Administrative Sources
- GST data used to verify corporate activity and regional output.
- e-Vahan data for transport sector estimation.
- Public Finance Management System (PFMS) for real-time government spending.
Improved Structural Consistency
- Supply and Use Tables (SUT) reconcile production and expenditure estimates.
- Reduces statistical discrepancies in GDP calculations.
Refined Consumption Estimation
- Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) estimated using:
- Survey data
- Commodity flow approach
- Production data
- Based on global COICOP 2018 classification.
Improved Quarterly Estimates
- Proportional Denton method used to smooth quarterly data.
- Removes artificial spikes in short-term growth numbers.
