New Delhi, Mar 12: The Union Cabinet is likely to approve the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, which will incorporate the institute as a body corporate and provide a framework for its effective governance, Parliament was informed on Wednesday. Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh said the draft bill seeks to enhance ISI’s autonomy and accountability.
The draft bill has completed pre-legislative consultations, including inter-ministerial review, and legal vetting. It proposes a modern governance structure to enable ISI to emerge as a globally recognised centre of excellence in statistical and allied disciplines.
Under the bill, the Board of Governors will have 11 members, including one government nominee, five external experts (including the Chairperson), and five internal members, providing academic and governance autonomy. Centres of the institute will also gain administrative, financial, and academic powers through their respective Management Councils.
The legislation introduces clear accountability mechanisms, including review by the Visitor, medium and long-term plan assessments by the Board, and submission of annual performance and financial reports by the Director.
By aligning ISI with the legal and governance framework of other Institutions of National Importance, the bill aims to strengthen institutional autonomy, support world class research and education, and bolster policy contributions at national and international levels.