A comprehensive new law is necessary to restructure the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) as a body corporate with clearer authority and stronger accountability, Union Minister of State for Statistics Rao Inderjit Singh told the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

Responding to a question on the need for the proposed ISI Bill 2025, Singh said the 1959 Act had declared ISI an institution of national importance, but unlike over 160 other Institutions of National Importance, it still functions as a registered society. Four review committees, including the 2021 Mashelkar Committee, have highlighted major structural gaps in its governance model.

The minister said ISI’s current system—controlled by a General Body of more than 1,000 members and a 33-member elected Council—has created governance gridlock. With 17 internal representatives, internal interests often dominate, enabling minority groups to stall reforms and slowing institutional responsiveness.

Singh said the new legislation aims to replace this society-based model with a corporate-style structure similar to IITs and IIMs. Under the draft Bill, a streamlined 11-member Board of Governors with balanced internal and external representation would oversee governance and decision-making.

The Bill also defines statutory authorities such as the visitor, board of governors, academic council, director and registrar.

 Accountability will be reinforced through visitor reviews, board-led planning and compulsory annual performance and financial reporting. Centre-level autonomy will also be strengthened through delegated administrative, financial and academic powers.