Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Background
- The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025, seeking to repeal the ISI Act, 1959.
- The proposal triggered strong protests from students and academicians, who fear the dilution of ISI’s academic autonomy.
Significance of ISI
- Founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis, ISI evolved into a premier institution for statistics, mathematics, economics, and computer science.
- It was registered under the Societies Registration Act and later recognised as an Institution of National Importance (INI) under the ISI Act, 1959.
- ISI played a foundational role in shaping India’s official statistical system, including the creation of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).
- The institute hosts ~1,200 students and six centres offering multidisciplinary academic programmes.
Why Are Academicians Protesting?
- Change in Institutional Status
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- The Bill converts ISI from a registered society into a statutory body corporate, eliminating its governing society.
- Academicians argue this bypasses the WB Societies Registration Act and undermines federal spirit.
- Altered Governance Structure
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- The existing Act gives significant authority to a council with academic representation.
- The 2025 Bill shifts power to a Board of Governors (BoG) dominated by government nominees, reducing academic influence.
- Concerns include potential political interference in appointments and reduced institutional independence.
- Impact on Research and Funding
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- Section 29 of the draft Bill allows revenue generation through fees, consultancy, and sponsored research.
- Faculty fear a push towards corporate-funded projects, threatening basic, long-term research integral to ISI’s mandate.
- Government’s Position
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- MoSPI claims the legislation aims to make ISI a globally competitive institute ahead of its 2031 centenary.
- Four past review committees, including the Mashelkar Committee (2020), recommended governance reforms and academic expansion.
What Lies Ahead?
- ISI stakeholders are seeking political support to block the Bill.
- Leaders from DMK, TMC, and CPI(M) have expressed strong opposition and may challenge the Bill if introduced in Parliament.