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The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026.  It provides a legal framework for the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata (ISI). ISI provides education, research, and training in statistics. The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959.

Several academics and opposition MPs have raised serious concerns around the Bill, saying that it takes away ISI’s institutional autonomy and leaves all decision making powers in the hands of the Union government. Here’s what the Bill says.

Incorporation:  ISI is presently registered as a society under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961.  The Bill provides that ISI will be a body corporate, and will be a not-for-profit legal entity.

Objects:  The Bill provides that the objectives of ISI will include: (i) advancing and disseminating knowledge of statistical sciences and allied fields, (ii) fostering interdisciplinary research in statistical sciences, mathematics, economics, computer science and other fields, (iii) enhancing collaboration amongst industry,........

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