Background of the Draft ISI Bill, 2025
MoSPI had initially released the draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025 on September 25, 2025, inviting feedback from stakeholders, experts, academic institutions, and the general public. The consultation window for the first draft remained open until November 3, 2025.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide a modern legal framework for the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), aligning its governance structure, academic mandate, and institutional autonomy with contemporary requirements.
Revision Based on Public Feedback
According to the Ministry, comments and suggestions received during the initial consultation phase were carefully examined. Based on the feedback, further revisions were incorporated into the draft Bill to address concerns and improve clarity in several provisions.
The revised draft of “The Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025” was uploaded on the Ministry’s official website on November 28, 2025, along with a fresh notice inviting public comments.
Extended Timeline for Wider Participation
In continuation of its earlier notice dated November 28, 2025, MoSPI has now extended the deadline for submitting further comments and suggestions to January 5, 2026. The extension is intended to facilitate broader dissemination of the revised draft and enable continued engagement with stakeholders.
All interested individuals and organisations have been encouraged to review the revised draft carefully and share constructive feedback with the Ministry within the stipulated timeframe.
Importance of Pre-Legislative Consultation
Pre-legislative consultation plays a critical role in ensuring that proposed laws are robust, practical, and reflective of diverse perspectives. In the case of the ISI Bill, inputs from academicians, researchers, statisticians, policymakers, and students are considered particularly valuable.
The consultation process also supports evidence-based policymaking, a core objective of MoSPI, by strengthening the legal and institutional framework governing statistical education and research in India.
How to Submit Suggestions
Stakeholders can submit their comments and suggestions directly to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation through the channels specified on the Ministry’s website. Submissions must be made on or before January 5, 2026.
Towards Stronger Statistical Governance
The Indian Statistical Institute has played a foundational role in shaping India’s statistical ecosystem and data-driven policymaking. The proposed Bill is expected to modernise its governance while preserving its academic excellence and global reputation.
By extending the consultation timeline, the government has signalled its intent to ensure that the final legislation benefits from comprehensive scrutiny and informed public participation.
