Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026:
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026 introduced in the Lok Sabha seeks to reform the governance of ISI to strengthen research, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and develop it as a global centre of excellence. However, the Bill has drawn criticism over concerns of greater Central Government control and erosion of institutional autonomy.
- The Bill repeals the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 and converts ISI from a registered society into a not-for-profit statutory body corporate, giving it a distinct legal identity.
- The President of India will be the Visitor of ISI, empowered to review the Institute’s functioning, order inquiries, and issue binding directions based on such reviews.
- The Bill replaces the existing 33-member Council with an 11-member BoG comprising a Chairperson nominated by the Visitor, two Central Government officials, four eminent persons, and four ISI representatives, with the aim of streamlining governance and decision-making.
- BOG is responsible for administration, budget approval, establishment of departments and centres, granting degrees, framing regulations, creating posts, and conducting periodic performance reviews.
- The Bill creates an Academic Council to oversee academic matters, a Finance Committee for financial scrutiny, and Management Councils for the administration of individual ISI centres.
- The Director will be appointed by the Board with the prior approval of the Visitor and will serve as the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for implementing Board decisions and managing the Institute’s day-to-day administration.
- Unlike the 1959 Act, which required prior Central Government approval for every amendment to the regulations, the Bill requires such approval only for the first set of regulations, providing greater flexibility thereafter.
