• In February 2026, The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has launched the beta version of a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server.
  • This server is linked with the eSankhyiki Portal, which is India’s national portal for official statistics.
  • The main aim is to make government data easily usable with Artificial Intelligence tools.

WHY IS THIS IN NEWS?

  • NSO launched a new MCP server.
  • It allows direct connection between official datasets and AI tools.
  • It makes government data more accessible and AI-friendly.

What Is MCP Server?

  • MCP stands for Model Context Protocol.
  • It is a technology that allows users to:
    • Connect directly to datasets using AI tools.
    • Avoid downloading large data files.
    • Integrate official data into their own software.
    • Automate reports using updated statistics.
    • Access multiple datasets through one connection.
  • In simple words, it saves time and makes data analysis easier.

WHAT IS eSANKHYIKI PORTAL?

  • eSankhyiki is India’s national portal for official statistics.
  • It provides important economic and social data for:
    • Citizens
    • Researchers
    • Businesses
    • Policymakers
  • Now, with the MCP server, this data can directly connect with AI systems
DATASETS INCLUDED IN BETA VERSION Currently, seven major datasets are available:
  1. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
  2. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
  3. Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
  4. Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
  5. National Account Statistics (NAS)
  6. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
  7. Environmental Statistics
More datasets will be added in the coming months.

IMPORTANCE OF THIS INITIATIVE

  • This step helps in:
  • Strengthening data-driven policymaking.
  • Supporting businesses in decision-making.
  • Saving time in data collection and analysis.
  • Improving transparency and public access to statistics.
  • It supports the goal of building a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by improving data infrastructure.

LINK WITH AI IMPACT SUMMIT

  • The launch comes just before the AI Impact Summit scheduled from 15–20 February 2026.
  • It also aligns with the objectives of Working Group 6 on “Democratising AI,” chaired by Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI.
  • This shows India’s effort to use AI in practical governance work.

KEY FEATURES OF MCP SERVER

  • Technology-agnostic (works with different AI tools).
  • Reduces barriers between users and official data.
  • Helps faster report generation.
  • Enables real-time access to government statistics.
  • Supports research and innovation.
Users can access the MCP server through the MoSPI data innovation website. Technical support is also available online.