The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Act, enacted in 1959, has recently come under scrutiny due to plans by the Central government to repeal it. This has sparked significant concern among more than 1,500 academics, leading to demonstrations in Kolkata.
The ISI was established on December 17, 1931, by the renowned statistician Professor P.C. Mahalanobis in Kolkata. Originally formed as a society, the ISI has evolved into a pivotal institution for statistical research, education, and training in India.
The ISI Act, 1959, is crucial as it governs the ISI, its governing body, employees, and students. The Act recognizes the ISI’s vital contributions to national development, providing it with the necessary autonomy and support needed to perform its functions efficiently.
Furthermore, the Act designates the ISI as an institution of national importance, which falls under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The proposal to repeal the ISI Act has stirred significant unrest within the academic community. Many believe that such a move could undermine the autonomy that the institute has enjoyed since its establishment, affecting its ability to contribute effectively to statistical science and education in India.
Q1. What is the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959?
Answer: The Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, establishes the ISI as an institution of national importance, granting it the authority to offer degrees and conduct statistical research.
Q2. Who founded the Indian Statistical Institute?
Answer: The Indian Statistical Institute was founded by Professor P.C. Mahalanobis on December 17, 1931, in Kolkata.
Q3. What are the key features of the ISI Act, 1959?
Answer: The ISI Act empowers the ISI to grant degrees, receive financial assistance, conduct audits, and mandates government oversight for significant actions by the Institute.
Q4. Why are there protests regarding the ISI Act?
Answer: Protests have erupted due to concerns that repealing the ISI Act will reduce the Institute's autonomy and hinder its contributions to statistical education and research.
Q5. Which ministry oversees the Indian Statistical Institute?
Answer: The Indian Statistical Institute falls under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, responsible for its governance and operations.
Question 1: What year was the Indian Statistical Institute established?
A) 1931
B) 1959
C) 1947
D) 1965
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Who was the founder of the Indian Statistical Institute?
A) R.A. Fisher
B) P.C. Mahalanobis
C) Carl Friedrich Gauss
D) Ronald A. Fisher
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What does the ISI Act, 1959, primarily recognize?
A) Financial autonomy
B) National importance
C) International collaborations
D) Government funding
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which ministry is responsible for the Indian Statistical Institute?
A) Ministry of Education
B) Ministry of Home Affairs
C) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
D) Ministry of Finance
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is a key feature of the ISI Act, 1959?
A) It allows the ISI to grant degrees
B) It eliminates government oversight
C) It requires annual reports only
D) It restricts financial aid
Correct Answer: A
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