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Current AffairsPolityPRSboth

Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2026: Status, Functions, and Oversight

UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity

PolityGovernance

Why in news

The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026, by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. This bill aims to declare the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) as an institution of national importance and grant it the power to award degrees. It also proposes changes to the composition of the institute's governing body.

Background

The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) was founded in 1931 by Professor P.C. Mahalanobis and was declared an institute of national importance in 1959 through an Act of Parliament. The new bill seeks to replace the existing act to update the institute's functions and governance structure.

Key facts

in5points

  1. The bill declares the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) as an institution of national importance.

  2. It empowers ISI to grant degrees, diplomas, and other academic distinctions.

  3. The bill proposes a new governing body with a President, a Director, and members from various ministries and academic institutions.

  4. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) will continue to audit the accounts of the institute.

  5. The bill allows the central government to issue directions to the institute on matters of policy.

  6. The institute's functions include conducting research in statistics, providing training, and promoting the use of statistics in various fields.

  7. The bill repeals the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959.

  8. The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026.

Prelims pointers

  • Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) - founded 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis
  • Institution of national importance - declared in 1959
  • Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 - being repealed
  • Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation - nodal ministry
  • Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) - audits accounts
  • Lok Sabha introduction - August 3, 2026

Mains angles

  • Discuss the role of institutions of national importance in higher education and research.
  • Examine the need for updating the governance structure of statutory bodies like ISI.
  • Analyze the implications of granting degree-awarding powers to research institutions.