More than 1,500 academics have raised serious concerns and organised demonstrations in Kolkata to protest the Central Government’s proposal to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Act, 1959. The move has triggered widespread debate over academic autonomy and the future governance of the Institute.
Background of the Indian Statistical Institute
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was founded by Professor P. C. Mahalanobis on 17 December 1931 in Kolkata.
Initially established as a registered society, ISI has played a pivotal role in statistical research, education, and training in India, contributing significantly to national planning and policy formulation.
About the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Act, 1959
The ISI Act, 1959 provides the legal framework governing the functioning of the Indian Statistical Institute.
The Act applies to the Institute, its governing bodies, employees, and students.
It was enacted to formally recognise ISI’s contributions to national development and to ensure it receives autonomy and institutional support to perform its academic and research functions effectively.
The Act declared ISI an Institution of National Importance.
The Act comes under the administrative control of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Objectives of the ISI Act, 1959
The primary objective of the Act is to strengthen the institutional status of ISI and safeguard its role in advanced statistical research and education.
It aims to balance academic autonomy with appropriate government oversight to ensure accountability and alignment with national priorities.
Salient Features of the ISI Act, 1959
Academic Powers
The Act empowers ISI to award degrees and diplomas in disciplines such as statistics, mathematics, quantitative economics, computer science, and allied subjects.
Financial Provisions
It provides for grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance from the Central Government.
The Institute’s accounts must be audited by qualified auditors, ensuring financial transparency.
Government Oversight
Certain actions of the Institute—such as amending its objectives, altering its memorandum, or disposing of specific properties—require prior approval from the Central Government.
The Act allows the Central Government to constitute committees to prepare ISI’s programme of work and periodically review its activities.
Powers of the Central Government
The Central Government is authorised to issue directions to the Institute in matters of policy.
Under specific circumstances, the Act permits the assumption of control over the Institute by the Central Government.
Significance of the Act
The ISI Act, 1959, has been central to preserving ISI’s academic excellence, national relevance, and institutional autonomy.
Concerns over its proposed repeal stem from fears that it could undermine the Institute’s independence and weaken India’s statistical and research ecosystem.
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In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
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