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Key Points

The Ministry of Statistics has released a draft bill to update the laws governing the Indian Statistical Institute. This initiative is part of an effort to modernize the institute's governance as it approaches its 100-year anniversary. The proposed changes are based on recommendations from a recent review committee. The public can now review the draft and submit their comments and suggestions.

Key Points: MoSPI Seeks Public Comments on Draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2025

  • Draft bill proposes a leaner, more empowered Board of Governance for the ISI
  • Aims to upscale the 1959 Act to match other Institutions of National Importance
  • Reforms are based on recommendations from the 2020 Mashelkar Committee review
  • Public consultation open until October 24 for stakeholders to submit comments
2 min read

Government invites comments on draft of Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2025

Ministry of Statistics invites feedback on new ISI Bill aimed at governance reforms and global competitiveness. Submit your suggestions by October 24.

"ISI must reimagine, reinvent and reposition itself to regain its leadership position - Dr R.A. Mashelkar Committee"

New Delhi, Sep 27

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Saturday said it has released the draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025, for public consultation from September 25.

The ministry has invited comments and suggestions from all stakeholders and the general public as part of the pre-legislative consultation process.

As the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) approaches its centenary in 2031, the proposed draft Bill is founded upon the guiding principles, including excellence, effective governance, autonomy and accountability.

The ISI was founded in December 1931 and has since grown into one of India’s most prestigious academic and research institutions.

In recognition of its national contribution, Parliament enacted the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, declaring ISI an Institution of National Importance (INI).

Currently, ISI offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in statistics, mathematics, quantitative economics, computer science, library and information Science, cryptology and security, quality management science and operations Research.

It also conducts research programmes, diplomas, and certificate courses.

With about 1,200 students across its centres, ISI plays a key role in advancing India’s leadership in statistical sciences and allied fields.

Over the years, four Review Committees have examined the functioning of ISI.

The most recent, chaired by Dr R.A. Mashelkar in 2020, recommended major reforms to strengthen governance, expand academic programmes, and make ISI globally competitive.

The Committee recommended that ISI must reimagine, reinvent and reposition itself to regain its leadership position and remain relevant in changing times as it reaches its centenary year in 2031.

"To address the issue, a new legislation for ISI by upscaling the existing Act to the level of other existing INI legislations is being proposed, putting in place a revamped governance structure, making the Board of Governance a leaner and more empowered body for policy, administrative and financial matters," the ministry said.

The draft Bill and the prescribed format for sending comments are available on the ministry’s website. Suggestions may be sent by October 24.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an ISI alumnus, I'm concerned about maintaining the institute's academic rigor while implementing reforms. The current system has produced Nobel laureates like Amartya Sen. Change should not dilute quality.
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David E
Working in data analytics, I've seen ISI's global reputation. The focus on cryptology and operations research is timely given India's digital push. Hope the bill addresses industry-academia collaboration.
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Ananya R
Good initiative but why only 1,200 students? Such a prestigious institute should expand capacity. India needs more statisticians and data scientists. The bill should mandate increasing seats across centers.
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Sarah B
The public consultation process is commendable. More laws should involve citizen feedback like this. Hope they seriously consider the suggestions received.
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Karthik V
ISI needs to compete with global institutions like MIT and Stanford in data science. The bill should provide for international collaborations and faculty exchange programs. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Meera T
While autonomy is important, there should be mechanisms to ensure accountability in fee structure and reservation policies. The draft should address accessibility for students from rural backgrounds.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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