Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Panel Seeks Views on Indian Statistical Institute Bill
A parliamentary committee is asking people and organisations to share their ideas about a new law for the Indian Statistical Institute.
The proposal is called the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026.
It was introduced in the Lok Sabha and sent to the committee for further discussion.
The bill would give the institute a new legal structure called a body corporate.
It also proposes a Board of Governors to guide policy and an Academic Council to oversee academic matters.
The bill would replace a law from 1959.
Its stated goal is to help the institute meet changing needs in statistics and related fields.
The proposal says this could help train more data scientists and statisticians.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance invited views on the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026.
The committee, chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab, is seeking input from organisations, experts and other stakeholders.
Introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 3, the bill was referred to the committee for consultation.
The bill proposes making the institute a body corporate, with a Board of Governors and an Academic Council.
It would replace the 1959 Act, which the bill says does not adequately address the institute’s current governance and research needs.
- Who
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, chaired by Bhartruhari Mahtab, is inviting views from stakeholders.
- What
- The committee is seeking views and suggestions on the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026.
- When
- The report is dated October 7; the bill was introduced on August 3.
- Where
- The bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha; the report identifies New Delhi.
- Why
- The bill aims to update the institute’s legal and governance framework for evolving academic and research needs.
- Bill
- Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026
- Committee
- Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance
- Committee chair
- Bhartruhari Mahtab
- Introduced
- August 3, in the Lok Sabha
- Earlier legislation
- Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959
- Proposed governance bodies
- A Board of Governors and an Academic Council
- Proposed legal status
- Incorporation of the institute as a body corporate