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Context:
On September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025, proposing to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959. The draft Bill has sparked widespread protests among students and academicians, who argue that it threatens ISI’s academic autonomy and governance framework.
About the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
- Founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis in Kolkata.
- Originally a registered society, later declared an Institution of National Importance under the 1959 Act.
- Key contributions:
- Creation of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).
- Produced eminent statisticians like C.R. Rao and S.R.S. Varadhan.
- Academic offerings: Statistics, Mathematics, Quantitative Economics, Computer Science, Cryptology, Library Science, Operations Research.
- Current strength: six centres across India.
Key Changes Proposed in the Draft ISI Bill, 2025
- ISI would transition from a registered society to a statutory body corporate.
- Governance changes: Authority shifts to a Board of Governors (BoG) dominated by government nominees.
- Revenue generation powers (Section 29): Fees, consultancy, sponsored research, and other sources.
- All appointments will now be controlled by the Union Government, raising concerns of political interference.
