India

NSO Unveils First-Ever District-Level Data on India’s Informal Business Sector

Published: 11 September 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

The National Statistical Office (NSO) released district-level estimates of India’s unincorporated non-agricultural sector for the first time, covering 757 districts using data from ASUSE 2025. The report provides insights into establishments, employment, women’s participation, productivity, and Gross Value Added (GVA).

Key Takeaways

The data reveals a high concentration of economic activity, with the top 50 districts accounting for nearly one-third of establishments, jobs, and GVA in the sector. The granular data is expected to help governments design more targeted policies for small businesses, employment, and women entrepreneurs.

Sources

Tribune India, DD India