The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has recently released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025, marking a significant step towards strengthening the institution as it approaches its centenary in 2031. The bill is currently open for public consultation, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders and citizens until October 24, 2025.
Objectives and Guiding Principles
The draft law is part of the government's effort to enhance governance, autonomy, and accountability within the ISI. The proposed legislation is built upon the principles of excellence, effective governance, autonomy, and accountability. It aims to upgrade the institutional framework of ISI by aligning it with the governance structures of other Institutions of National Importance (INI). A revamped Board of Governance has been proposed to make leaner and more empowered decisions in policy, financial, and administrative matters. The vision is to make ISI one of the foremost institutes in the world.
The bill also aims to establish clear institutional structures, streamline decision-making, uphold integrity in leadership and administration, and grant the institute greater decision-making powers in its day-to-day functioning and planning. Furthermore, it seeks to ensure transparency, oversight, and responsiveness to stakeholders.
Historical Context and the Need for Reform
Founded in December 1931, the ISI has grown into one of India's premier academic and research institutions. It was declared an Institution of National Importance (INI) through the ISI Act, 1959. Over the decades, ISI has played a crucial role in advancing statistical sciences and allied fields.
As ISI nears its centenary in 2031, there is an urgent need to reposition and revamp the institution to meet evolving academic and technological challenges. Four separate review committees have examined its functioning, with the latest, chaired by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar in 2020, recommending sweeping reforms to make ISI globally competitive. The Mashelkar Committee urged ISI to "reimagine, reinvent, and reposition" itself to maintain global leadership as it marks 100 years. The draft Bill incorporates these recommendations by aiming to modernize ISI's governance and academic framework and strengthen its role in India's innovation and policy ecosystem.
Key Proposed Reforms
The draft ISI Bill, 2025, represents a bold vision to transform ISI into a next-generation institution for data science, research, and policy in a knowledge-driven world. Key reforms suggested by the Mashelkar Committee and incorporated into the bill include:
- Strengthening ISI's governance through a leaner, more empowered Board of Governance.
- Expanding academic and research offerings to meet evolving challenges.
- Encouraging global collaborations to enhance ISI's global competitiveness.
- Aligning the legal framework with other premier INIs like IITs and IIMs.
- Granting ISI greater autonomy in academic, financial, and administrative domains.
- Ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and public oversight.
Public Consultation and Future Outlook
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the draft bill for public consultation and sought comments and suggestions from all stakeholders and the public as part of the pre-legislative consultation process. The draft Bill and submission format are available on the official MoSPI website. Suggestions and comments can be submitted by October 24, 2025, after which the ministry will review public input before finalizing the legislation.
The proposed reforms are aimed at unlocking ISI's full potential in the 21st century. By aligning it with the legal and governance framework of other Institutions of National Importance, the government intends to strengthen its capacity to deliver world-class education, research, and policy support. As India prepares to celebrate 100 years of ISI, engaging and contributing to ensure that this national treasure continues to thrive for generations to come is crucial.
