On September 25, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025. This draft proposes to change ISI’s status from a 'registered society' to a 'statutory body corporate.' This move has caused strong protests from ISI students and academicians. Founded in 1931 by P.C. Mahalanobis, ISI is one of India’s top research institutes. It was registered under the Societies Registration Acts, giving it academic independence through its own rules. The 1959 Indian Statistical Institute Act declared ISI an Institution of National Importance, preserving its autonomy. About 1,500 academicians sent a letter to Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, opposing the Bill. They said it violates the agreement between the government and ISI’s society. They also claim it breaches cooperative federalism by bypassing existing laws. Protesters point out that the current 1959 Act allows academic members to govern ISI. But the 2025 draft Bill gives power to a Board of Governors dominated by government nominees, reducing faculty influence. Former ISI professor Abhirup Sarkar warned this may hurt basic long-term research funding due to a push for corporate-style finance. Another concern is that all ISI appointments would be controlled by the Union government via the Board of Governors. Earlier, ISI had significant representation in its council, but under the new Bill, none remains. The government says the Bill aims to make ISI a world-class institute by 2031, its centenary year. Four review committees, including one in 2020 led by Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, recommended reforms to strengthen governance and expand programs. Students and academicians now look to Opposition parties for support. MP D. Ravikumar and leaders from Trinamool Congress and Communist Party of India (Marxist) have voiced their opposition and plan to challenge the Bill if introduced in Parliament.