September 27, New Delhi: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025 for public consultation, inviting comments and suggestions from stakeholders and citizens until October 24, 2025. The draft law is part of the government’s effort to strengthen governance, autonomy, and accountability as the ISI approaches its centenary in 2031.
Guiding Principles of the Draft Bill
According to MoSPI, the proposed legislation is built on the principles of excellence, effective governance, autonomy, and accountability. The Bill 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 take leaner and more empowered decisions in policy, financial, and administrative matters.
About the Indian Statistical Institute
Founded in December 1931, ISI has grown into one of India’s premier academic and research institutions, declared an Institution of National Importance (INI) through the ISI Act, 1959. With around 1,200 students across its centres, ISI offers degree programmes in statistics, mathematics, quantitative economics, computer science, cryptology, operations research, and quality management, alongside research fellowships, diplomas, and certificate courses.
Over the decades, ISI has played a crucial role in advancing statistical sciences and allied fields. Four separate review committees have examined its functioning, the latest chaired by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar in 2020, which called for sweeping reforms to make ISI globally competitive.
Key Recommendations and Future Outlook
The Mashelkar Committee urged ISI to “reimagine, reinvent, and reposition” itself to maintain global leadership as it marks 100 years in 2031. The draft Bill incorporates these recommendations by aiming to modernize ISI’s governance and academic framework, expand research capacity, and strengthen its role in India’s innovation and policy ecosystem.
Submission 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.