Why Modi Govt's New ISI Bill Is Facing Protests At Indian Statistical Institute

The Union government has introduced the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha, proposing to replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 with a new statutory framework. The Bill seeks to modernise ISI by creating a government-accountable Board of Governors, expanding the institute's mandate to fields such as data science, computer science and cryptology, and strengthening its global role. However, sections of the faculty, students and staff have raised concerns that the proposed governance changes could reduce the institute's autonomy and increase central government oversight over academic and administrative affairs. INDIA NEWS