The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025, aimed at repealing the Indian Statistical Institute Act of 1959. This legislative update is poised to significantly alter the landscape of statistical education and research in India.
Founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis, the Indian Statistical Institute has emerged as one of India's premier centers for statistical research and interdisciplinary studies. Initially registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, ISI attained the status of an Institution of National Importance (INI) through the Indian Statistical Institute Act of 1959. Historically, ISI has played a crucial role in developing the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), a cornerstone of India's official statistical framework.
ISI has produced renowned figures in statistics and mathematics, such as C.R. Rao and S.R.S. Varadhan, contributing significantly to the field globally. With six centers across the country and nearly 1,200 students, ISI offers advanced education and research opportunities in areas like Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, Cryptology, Library and Information Science, and Operations Research.
The proposed Bill aims to transition ISI from a registered society to a statutory body corporate. This transformation is viewed as a necessary step towards modernizing and reinforcing ISI as it approaches its centenary in 2031. A press release from MoSPI highlights that multiple review committees, including the Mashelkar Committee (2020), have recommended governance reforms and the expansion of academic programmes to enhance global competitiveness.
One of the primary concerns raised is the potential erosion of institutional autonomy. Critics argue that transforming ISI into a statutory body corporate undermines the foundational agreement that led to the formation of the ISI society. A letter signed by 1,500 academicians contends that the Bill violates the spirit of the Societies Registration Act and undermines cooperative federalism.
Under the 1959 Act, ISI's governance was overseen by a council that included substantial academic representation. However, the new BoG proposed in the draft Bill is heavily dominated by government nominees, lacking elected representatives from faculty or researchers. This shift raises concerns about political interference in academic decision-making.
Experts warn that an increased focus on revenue generation may lead ISI away from basic research, which typically lacks immediate commercial benefits. Critics argue that essential long-term research could be jeopardized under a corporate-style funding model.
Opponents assert that bypassing the existing society registered under state law infringes upon state jurisdiction and risks destabilizing the established legal framework that has guided ISI for decades.
The government defends the proposed Bill, claiming it aims to globalize ISI, improve accountability, modernize governance, and expand research programmes. It maintains that these reforms are vital for aligning ISI with global standards and supporting its growth in the coming decade, as articulated in the Mashelkar Committee's recommendations.
The draft Bill is currently open for stakeholder consultation. Opposition parties have indicated plans to challenge the Bill if it is presented in Parliament. The future relationship between ISI and the Union government will hinge on whether the government revises governance structures, clarifies autonomy provisions, or addresses federalism concerns. As India's leading statistical institution, the consequences of this Bill are critical for academic freedom, research independence, and the integrity of the national statistical system.
Q1. What is the purpose of the ISI Bill 2025?
Answer: The ISI Bill 2025 aims to transform the Indian Statistical Institute from a registered society into a statutory body corporate, enhancing its governance and academic framework.
Q2. Who founded the Indian Statistical Institute?
Answer: The Indian Statistical Institute was founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis, who played a pivotal role in its development and growth.
Q3. What are the key features of the ISI Bill 2025?
Answer: Key features include the establishment of a new Board of Governors, increased revenue generation capabilities, and centralized control over faculty recruitment.
Q4. Why are academicians concerned about the ISI Bill?
Answer: Academicians are concerned that the Bill undermines institutional autonomy and may lead to increased political interference in academic decisions.
Q5. What does the government claim about the ISI Bill's objectives?
Answer: The government claims that the Bill aims to globalize ISI, strengthen accountability, and modernize governance to align with international standards.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
