Draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025
Why in news?
The Draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025 seeks to repeal the ISI Act of 1959 and transform the Kolkata-based Indian Statistical Institute into a statutory body with enhanced governance, autonomy, and accountability. It has sparked both support and criticism, especially around governance changes and academic independence.
Key Features of the Draft ISI Bill, 2025
- Statutory Status: Converts ISI from a registered society into a statutory body corporate, aligning it with other Institutions of National Importance (INIs).
- Repeal of 1959 Act: The Bill replaces the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959.
- Guiding Principles:
- Excellence: Promote global competitiveness and innovation.
- Effective Governance: Streamlined decision-making and integrity in leadership.
- Autonomy: Greater powers in day-to-day functioning and planning.
- Accountability: Transparency and oversight mechanisms.
- Governance Restructuring: Establishes a new Board of Governance, reducing the role of the large General Body (currently over 1,000 members).
- Academic Council Changes: Alters composition of councils, vesting more authority in Union government nominees.
- Revenue & Administration: Seeks to modernize ISI’s financial and administrative framework.
Supportive Arguments
- Modernization: Provides ISI with a contemporary legal framework to function like other premier institutions.
- Efficiency: Streamlines governance by reducing legacy issues identified in review committees.
- National Role: Strengthens ISI’s position as a hub for data, statistics, and research in India.
Concerns & Criticisms
- Autonomy at Risk: Academics and students argue the Bill dilutes ISI’s democratic and federal structure.
- Centralization of Power: Authority shifts to Union government nominees, potentially undermining ISI’s independence.
- Revenue Mechanisms: Questions raised about how the Bill affects ISI’s ability to generate and manage funds.
- Protests: Faculty and students have demanded withdrawal of the revised draft, citing threats to academic freedom.
Download Pdf
