The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released a draft ‘The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025’ to elevate its institutional status by converting it from a registered society to a statutory body corporate and upscaling its governance framework, thereby aligning it with peer Institutions of National Importance (INIs). Once enacted, the Bill shall replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959. The draft Bill is founded upon following guiding principles:

(a)       Excellence: promoting academic rigour, global competitiveness, and innovation;

(b)       Effective Governance: establishing clear institutional structures, streamlining decision-making, and upholding integrity in leadership and administration;

(c)        Autonomy: granting the Institute greater decision-making powers in its day-to-day functioning and planning;

(d)       Accountability: ensuring transparency, oversight, and responsiveness to stakeholders.

The draft bill introduces a comprehensive new legislation, for upscaling the existing legislation Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 to the level of governing legislations of other peer Institutions of National Importance (INIs) such as IITs/ IIMs with the objective of overhaul and modernization of the Institute’s governance framework by enhancing its autonomy and accountability. The Bill has been prepared carefully after preliminary consultation with the stakeholders and by following the well-established and proven model of peer INIs such as IITs/ IIMs and it has been customized, wherever necessary, considering the specialized nature of the ISI. The scrutiny of draft Bill is done at various levels and a multi-layered approach of consultation is duly followed to refine the draft legislation till it is placed before legislature.

As per pre-legislative consultation policy, comments and suggestions were invited from all stakeholders and the general public during the period 25.09.2025 and 03.11.2025. After receipt of public comments, a revised draft ‘The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025’ has been placed on Ministry’s website on 28 Nov 2025 for further pre-legislative consultation. Timeline seeking public comments has now been extended up to 5 Jan 2026.

The ISI Bill 2025 is envisaged to enable ISI to emerge as a globally recognised centre of excellence in statistical and allied disciplines. By aligning ISI with the legal and governance framework of other peer Institutions of National Importance, the proposed legislation intends to enhance institutional autonomy and accountability and also strengthen its capacity to deliver world-class education, research, and policy support. In the draft Bill, the coverage of “statistical sciences” has been expanded keeping in view development of global trends and flexibility has been provided to include other related disciplines as may be specified by regulations. The Centres have also been given governance flexibility and academic autonomy. These are envisaged to expand teaching and research activities as well as courses, students and faculty at ISI.

The attention of this Ministry has been drawn to misleading and inaccurate information circulating in sections of the media and on social media platforms regarding the draft ISI Bill, 2025. It is clarified that several claims being shared about the Bill are factually incorrect and misrepresent its intent, scope, and provisions. Such misinformation has the potential to create unnecessary confusion and public concern. Stakeholders and members of the public are urged to rely on official statements, authenticated documents, and parliamentary records for accurate information.

In view of the above, Frequently Asked Questions-Answers on revised draft of ‘The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025’ have been placed in public domain to extend clarity on the proposed legislation and obviate any further speculation. Members of general public and stakeholders can access these Frequently Asked Questions-Answers available on the Ministry’s website at the following link:

https://www.mospi.gov.in/uploads/announcements/announcements_1766569183756_57ee3fdd-d5ef-4067-a779-15028689a6ac_FAQs_on_draft_ISI_Bill.pdf .

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Samrat

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