ISI Protests Intensify as Centre's Draft Bill Threatens Autonomy, Bengal Renaissance Values
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Kolkata: The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) community is up in arms against the Centre's proposed draft bill that could strip the esteemed institution of its autonomy. Students, research scholars, faculty, and staff have announced a series of protests, including a human chain, to express their opposition to the Centre's move. The draft bill, which has been met with widespread criticism, aims to convert ISI into a statutory body corporate under complete Union Government control. This move has been seen as an attempt to change the institute's character, which is deeply rooted in the Bengal Renaissance values and the vision of icons like Rabindranath Tagore and Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. ISI, an Institute of National Importance, has been a beacon of excellence in statistics, mathematics, economics, and data sciences. The Centre's proposed move has been seen as a legislative takeover, eroding the federal balance enshrined in the Constitution. The ISI Society, in its AGM held on November 18, 2025, passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the draft bill. A mass petition, signed by eminent faculty, students, and ex-directors, has been sent to the minister of MoSPI, requesting the withdrawal of the draft bill. However, the Centre remains silent on the issue. The protests, scheduled for November 28, will feature a human chain, procession, and street corner meetings. The ISI community is also networking with other ISI centres in the country to raise awareness about the issue. ISI's autonomy is not just a matter of institutional pride but also a testament to the nation's commitment to academic freedom. The Centre's proposed move has sparked concerns about the erosion of federal balance and the potential consequences for the nation's education system.
