SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) | National Statistics Office (NSO) | Ministry of MSME
The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026, launched in January 2026, is India’s most comprehensive statistical exercise for measuring the vast informal, non-agricultural economy. Devoted exclusively to the manufacturing, trade, and services sectors, the survey captures the health and dynamics of over 6.5 crore establishments that are typically outside the formal regulatory framework.
Key structural and technical milestones of the 2026 round include:
Global Standard Alignment: For the first time, the survey adopts the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 (based on ISIC Rev. 5) and the Central Product Classification (CPC) 3.0.
Digital Depth: A revamped ICT block and the first-ever comprehensive digital activity module aim to map internet penetration, digital payment adoption, and smartphone usage among informal workers.
Logistic Insights: New data points on inward transportation charges (rail, road, water, air) have been added to help policymakers understand the supply chain costs for small manufacturers.
Quarterly Agility: Starting from 2025, the NSO has introduced the Quarterly Bulletin of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (QBUSE) to provide high-frequency indicators between annual reports.
Expanded Sampling: The 2026 round covers 24,800 First Stage Units (FSUs) across India, utilizing an area-frame approach to capture “hidden” or home-based units that may be missed by traditional list-based frames.
What is an Unincorporated Sector Enterprise? It refers to any economic unit—such as a street vendor, home-based tailor, or small repair shop—that is not registered under the Companies Act (1956/2013) or the LLP Act (2008). These enterprises are often run as proprietorships or partnerships and represent the “backbone” of the Indian economy, contributing nearly one-third of the national GDP and employing over 11 crore people.
Policy Relevance
The ASUSE 2026 data serves as the primary evidence base for the National Accounts Statistics and is critical for identifying the “missing middle” in India’s industrial landscape. By capturing Gross Value Added (GVA) and investment in plant and machinery, the data allows for the accurate classification of establishments into Micro, Small, or Medium (MSME) categories for targeted credit delivery.
Key Strategic Implications for India:
Formalization Monitoring: The survey tracks the transition of informal micro-enterprises (IMEs) to the formal fold via the Udyam Assist Platform, helping evaluate the impact of the Make in India initiative.
Wage and Productivity Analysis: By measuring emoluments per hired worker, the government can identify regional wage disparities and craft localized skill development programs.
Social Protection Design: The data on the gig workforce and self-employed owners is essential for expanding the coverage of schemes like the Atal Pension Yojana and health insurance to the unorganized sector.
Follow the full user guide here: A USER GUIDE TO THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF UNINCORPORATED SECTOR ENTERPRISES (ASUSE)