Ziraat Times News Desk
New Delhi: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025, proposing sweeping reforms to modernise the governance, autonomy and institutional framework of the Indian Statistical Institute. The draft legislation aims to elevate ISI to the level of other premier Institutions of National Importance (INIs) such as the IITs and IIMs, while strengthening transparency, accountability and academic excellence.
The draft Bill has been placed in the public domain for consultation, with feedback invited until January 5, 2026.
Objective of the Proposed Legislation
According to the Ministry, the Bill seeks to replace the existing Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, which governs ISI as a registered society, and convert it into a statutory body corporate. The move is intended to modernise governance structures, enhance autonomy, and align ISI with contemporary institutional frameworks followed by leading national institutions.
The government said the proposed reforms are guided by four key principles:
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Excellence in teaching, research and innovation
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Effective governance through streamlined decision-making
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Autonomy in academic and administrative functioning
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Accountability through clear institutional oversight
Background and Rationale
Multiple review committees over the decades—including the fourth review committee chaired by Dr R.A. Mashelkar—had flagged structural and governance challenges at ISI, including excessive internal representation, limited autonomy, and a decision-making framework heavily dependent on a large General Body.
The Ministry stated that despite repeated recommendations, many structural reforms could not be implemented under the existing legal framework. The proposed Bill seeks to address these limitations by introducing a modern governance architecture comparable to that of IITs and IIMs.
Key Features of the Draft Bill
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Conversion of ISI into a statutory body corporate while retaining its status as an Institution of National Importance.
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Establishment of a Board of Governors with balanced representation of internal and external members.
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Strengthening of the Academic Council with wider representation and defined academic authority.
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Greater autonomy for centres and departments in academic and administrative functioning.
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Clear delineation of roles between the Director, Board, Academic Council and Centre Heads.
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Provision for expansion of academic disciplines in line with emerging global trends.
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Assurance that all existing employees, students, assets and academic programmes will continue without disruption.
Clarification on Public Concerns
Addressing concerns circulating in public discourse, the Ministry clarified that:
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The Bill does not propose shifting ISI’s headquarters from Kolkata.
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There is no dilution of academic autonomy or erosion of faculty representation.
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The institute will remain not-for-profit, and no mandatory fee hikes are proposed.
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Existing scholarships, fellowships and inclusive admission policies will continue.
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The draft does not seek to commercialise education or undermine ISI’s academic ethos.
