Context:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025 on September 25, 2025, triggering protests by academicians and students. Critics argue that the Bill threatens academic autonomy, enables government overreach, and alters the historic governance structure of one of India’s premier institutions.
Key Highlights:
Institutional Background:
- Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis in Kolkata.
- Declared an Institution of National Importance (INI) through the ISI Act, 1959.
- Originally registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, later under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961.
Proposed Changes under ISI Bill, 2025:
- Conversion of ISI from a registered society into a statutory body corporate.
- Replacement of the existing Council-based governance structure with a Board of Governors (BoG).
- BoG dominated by government nominees, reducing academic representation.
- Provision allowing ISI to generate revenue through:
- Student fees
- Consultancy services
- Sponsored research projects
Governance & Autonomy Concerns:
- The 1959 Act ensured:
- Strong academic participation
- Procedural safeguards against excessive executive interference
- The 2025 draft Bill weakens these safeguards, raising fears of:
- Political interference in appointments
- Centralisation of control with the Union government
Federalism-Related Issues:
- Critics argue the Bill infringes upon the jurisdiction of State legislation, especially the Societies Registration Acts.
- Seen as contrary to the spirit of cooperative federalism, where institutions evolved through Union–State coordination.
Political Reactions:
- Opposition parties have expressed support for protesting students and faculty.
- They have vowed to oppose the Bill in Parliament if tabled in its present form.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Draft ISI Bill, 2025 altering governance and legal status of ISI.
- Causes:
- Government push for institutional restructuring
- Desire to enhance global competitiveness
- Government’s Justification:
- Preparing ISI for its centenary in 2031
- Implementing recommendations of review committees
- Enhancing financial sustainability and global standing
- Benefits Claimed:
- Greater operational flexibility
- Improved international competitiveness
- Challenges & Impact:
- Erosion of academic autonomy
- Risk of politicisation of education
- Weakening of federal principles
- Loss of institutional legacy and self-governance
Relevant Mains Points:
- Conceptual Clarity:
- Statutory Body Corporate: Entity created by law with defined powers and obligations.
- Institution of National Importance (INI): Parliamentary recognition of institutions crucial for national capacity-building.
- Cooperative Federalism: Shared responsibility between Union and States in governance.
- Critical Analysis:
- Autonomy is central to academic excellence and innovation.
- Excessive executive control may undermine intellectual freedom and global credibility.
- Financial self-reliance through fees risks commercialisation of education.
- Historical Perspective:
- ISI’s success historically stemmed from academic self-regulation, visionary leadership, and minimal political interference.
- Way Forward:
- Restore adequate academic representation in governance bodies
- Ensure transparent and independent appointment mechanisms
- Balance accountability with institutional autonomy
- Engage in wider stakeholder consultation before tabling the Bill
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 2: Polity, Governance, Federalism, Autonomy of Institutions
- GS 1: Modern Indian History – Role of ISI and P.C. Mahalanobis in nation-building