Why in the News?
Over 1,500 academics have protested against the Central government’s proposal to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 and replace it with a new ISI Revamp Bill (Draft ISI Bill 2025). Critics argue that the Bill will erode academic autonomy, alter governance structures, and change the historic character of the ISI.
About Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
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Key Features of the Draft ISI Bill 2025
- Repeals ISI Act, 1959 replaces existing governance and institutional safeguards.
- Board of Governors gets overriding powers over the Academic Council, reducing the latter to an advisory status.
- Government-controlled appointment of the Director replaces existing search-cum-selection process.
- Allows relocation of headquarters from Kolkata raising concerns over institutional heritage.
- Higher emphasis on revenue generation:
- Increased student fees.
- Commercialisation of research outputs.
- Restructuring of regional centres possible realignment of federal structure.
| Consider the following organizations/bodies in India:
1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The National Law Commission 4. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission How many of the above are constitutional bodies? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four |
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