ISI Amendment Bill: Alumni Call Revised Draft 'Cosmetic', Voice Concerns Over Autonomy
Summary
The alumni association of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) has expressed disappointment with the revised draft of the ISI (Amendment) Bill, stating that the changes are merely 'cosmetic' and fail to address fundamental concerns about the institute's autonomy.
Introduction to the Issue
The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), a globally renowned institution for statistics and related sciences, is currently at the centre of a debate regarding its future governance. A revised draft of the ISI (Amendment) Bill, 2022, has been circulated by the Union government, but it has failed to reassure the institute's community. Alumni, faculty, and students argue that the proposed changes threaten the academic freedom and autonomy that have been central to ISI's success for decades.
What is the ISI (Amendment) Bill?
The bill aims to amend the original ISI Act of 1959. The government's stated objective is to streamline the institute's governance structure, bringing it in line with other 'Institutes of National Importance' like the IITs and IIMs. This includes modifications to the composition of the ISI Council, which is the principal governing body of the institute.
Core Concerns Remain Unaddressed
Despite a revision to the initial draft, the ISI alumni association claims the core issues have not been resolved. Their primary concern is the proposed structure of the ISI Council. The bill suggests increasing the number of government nominees on the council while reducing the representation of scientists and academics who are not government employees.
Critics fear this will lead to a concentration of power with the central government, potentially influencing key decisions, including faculty appointments, research direction, and financial management. They argue that such centralisation could stifle the independent and research-driven environment that ISI is known for.
Why are the Changes Called 'Cosmetic'?
According to the alumni, the revisions made in the new draft are superficial. While some wording may have been altered, the fundamental proposal to shift the balance of power within the governing council towards government appointees remains intact. They believe that these minor tweaks do not address the larger threat to the institute's long-standing tradition of academic independence.
What This Means for Students and the Institute
For students and parents, the debate over autonomy is significant. The academic freedom at ISI has allowed it to attract top talent from across the world and maintain high standards of education and research. A potential increase in bureaucratic control could impact the curriculum, research priorities, and the overall academic culture. The alumni fear that if the bill is passed in its current form, it could erode the very qualities that make ISI a unique and prestigious institution, both in India and internationally.
