Protest Erupts as Indian Statistical Institute Faces Government Overhaul

Students, faculty, and staff of ISI Kolkata protested a draft bill to shift the institute from an autonomous society to a statutory body under central government control. They argue the change would threaten academic programs and autonomy. A nationwide movement is forming against the proposal.

A passionate protest unfolded on Friday near the campus of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata. Students, faculty, and staff united to oppose a draft bill that seeks to alter the institute's status from an autonomous society to a statutory body under the central government.

Approximately 1,000 demonstrators, forming a human chain, gathered at Dunlop More nearby the B T Road campus. Protestors aired their concerns, which include fears that this change would jeopardize the institute's independent character and academic programs, particularly those vital for underprivileged students.

The bill, critics argue, introduces central government control over governance and academic decisions, including appointing the institute's director. TMC MP Saugata Roy attended the protest and supported the demonstrators, while an ISI official claimed the changes aim to streamline operations without relocating ISI's headquarters from Kolkata.