The National Statistics Office (NSO) has launched the beta version of a new Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for its eSankhyiki portal, aiming to make official government data easier to access and use through artificial intelligence tools. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation announced on Thursday.

This new MCP server has been introduced to allow AI tools and applications to directly connect with government datasets available on the eSankhyiki portal. With this, users will no longer need to download large data files to conduct analysis. Instead, the system enables real-time access, faster reporting, and quicker decision-making by using AI-based tools.

The initiative is seen as an important step in India’s effort to modernise its national data infrastructure. It is expected to help citizens, researchers, startups, and businesses, who require official and reliable data in a faster and more efficient manner.

The key feature of the MCP server is that it removes technical barriers related to data extraction and handling. It allows users to focus more on insights and results rather than spending time downloading datasets and processing them manually. Users can now ask real-time queries through their own AI applications and directly receive results based on official datasets.

According to NSO, this new platform is designed to support automated reporting and sophisticated analysis with minimal effort. It also allows users to merge multiple datasets together, which can make research and reporting more efficient.

The beta release currently includes seven key data products. These include the Periodic Labour Force Survey, Consumer Price Index, Annual Survey of Industries, Index of Industrial Production, National Accounts Statistics, Wholesale Price Index, and Environmental Statistics. NSO has stated that more datasets will be added gradually based on feedback and system readiness.

The ministry has highlighted that the launch is also a step toward strengthening data-driven governance. The MCP server has been described by NSO as an important building block for “Viksit Bharat,” as it will help policymakers access updated figures instantly and improve transparency in policy decisions. It will also provide a single access point for businesses and researchers to obtain official statistics.

The government has also positioned the project as part of its technology-agnostic approach. This means the data system is designed to remain adaptable and compatible with a wide range of AI technologies, allowing it to work smoothly with different tools and platforms as they evolve.

The launch comes ahead of the AI Impact Summit, scheduled to be held between February 15 and 20, 2026. Officials noted that the timing of the release reflects India’s growing focus on integrating AI into governance and decision-making processes.

The initiative is also aligned with the objectives of Working Group 6 on Democratising AI. This working group is being led by Dr Saurabh Garg, who is a secretary in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Officials stated that the MCP server reflects the government’s intention to move from policy discussions to practical implementation. They added that users can access more information through the ministry’s official website, where technical documentation about the MCP server has been made available. Further upgrades and improvements are expected over the coming months as the platform develops.

The NSO has said that the system is aimed at making official datasets more usable for real-world decision-making. It is expected to support faster evidence-based policy planning and provide easier access to official numbers for both public and private users.

With this beta MCP server, the government is taking another step toward ensuring that national statistics are more accessible and usable in an AI-driven environment.