Rao Indrajit Singh Introduces Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2026

Union Minister Rao Indrajit Singh introduced the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The legislation seeks to replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, and repeal governance under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act, 1961, to establish the Indian Statistical Institute as a statutory body corporate.

The bill modernizes the institute's framework by expanding the definition of statistical sciences to encompass cryptology, computer science, and data science. It grants the institution greater financial and administrative autonomy and designates the President of India as the Visitor. The new structure also establishes an Academic Council and a Board of Governors.

These reforms incorporate recommendations from the RA Mashelkar Committee to help the institute address talent gaps within India's financial and tech sectors. The government intends for the updated framework to promote incubators and start-ups as the institute approaches its centenary in 2031.