Reforming ISI: The New Bill Unveiled

The Indian government seeks to restructure the Indian Statistical Institute with new legislation, transforming it from a registered society into a corporate body. The proposed Bill aims to resolve governance issues identified by review committees, ensuring enhanced accountability and aligning ISI with peer institutions like IITs and IIMs.

The Indian government is set to introduce crucial legislation aimed at restructuring the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI). Announced by Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, the proposal will convert ISI from a society-based structure to a statutory corporate body to improve governance and accountability.

Established via the ISI Act, 1959, the ISI remains an institution of national importance. However, its current operational model as a registered society differs significantly from peer institutions like IITs and IIMs. Minister Singh highlighted that four review committees, notably the 2021 Mashelkar Committee, identified fundamental governance challenges necessitating the draft of the new ISI Bill 2025.

The new Bill proposes an 11-member Board of Governors to replace the 33-member council, streamlining decision-making and addressing structural deficiencies. This aims to efficiently handle institutional affairs, strengthen accountability through statutory authorities, and ensure effective governance aligning with other national institutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)