The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) is a statistical survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India. Its primary objective is to systematically measure the structural, operational, economic, and financial characteristics of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments. These enterprises are defined as small businesses and production units that are not registered as separate legal entities under the Companies Act.
The ASUSE was launched during 2021-22, with the first full-fledged survey covering the period April 2021 to March 2022. Its creation addressed the need for regular, annual data on this vital segment, replacing the earlier periodic surveys, such as the quinquennial surveys conducted in 2010-11 and 2015-16. This sector is crucial as it is a major source of employment and contributes significantly to the national income.
The survey mechanism employs a multi-stage stratified sampling design, covering both rural and urban areas across India. It focuses on three broad sectors: manufacturing, trade, and other services, specifically excluding construction. Data is collected from selected establishments using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) on tablets. Key indicators measured include the estimated number of workers, emoluments per hired worker, and Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker.
The data generated by ASUSE is a key input for the country's National Accounts Statistics and is used by various government bodies, including the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), for policymaking. The survey covers enterprises that are excluded from the Annual Survey of Industries. A recent change in coverage occurred in ASUSE 2023-24, which expanded the scope to include individuals like teachers providing tuitions and housemaids, who were previously excluded in ASUSE 2021-22 and ASUSE 2022-23.