What are concerns over the draft ISI Bill, 2025?, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025 on September 25.
• Academicians and students are protesting the Bill, claiming it will strip ISI of its academic autonomy by converting it from a "registered society to a statutory body corporate".
• The ISI was founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis in Kolkata and declared an Institution of National Importance (INI) in 1959.
• Opponents of the Bill are concerned about the shift in governance structure, with the Board of Governors (BoG) being dominated by government nominees.

Detailed Insights:

• The ISI was originally registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and later re-registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act of 1961, granting it its own memorandum of association and bye-laws.
• The proposed Bill infringes upon the jurisdiction of the Societies Registration Act and goes against the spirit of cooperative federalism.
• The existing 1959 Act vested authority in a council with academic representation and procedural safeguards against government overreach, which the new Bill diminishes.
• The proposed 2025 Act includes a provision for ISI to generate revenue through student fees, consultancy services, and sponsored research projects.
• The government asserts that the legislation aims to make ISI a globally competitive institution as it approaches its centenary in 2031, based on recommendations from review committees.
• Concerns exist regarding potential political interference in appointments by the Union Government through the BoG, as the Bill removes ISI representation in the council.
• Opposition parties have voiced their support for the protesting students and academicians, vowing to oppose the Bill if it is tabled in Parliament.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Statutory Body Corporate: An entity created by a statute, with specific powers and functions defined by law.
• Institution of National Importance (INI): Status conferred by an Act of Parliament to premier institutions playing a vital role in developing skilled manpower.
• Cooperative Federalism: A concept where the Union and State governments cooperate and coordinate in various policy initiatives.