The Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959
📘 The Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959
1. Introduction
The Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 is an Act of the Parliament of India that constitutes the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) as an autonomous institution with the status of a deemed university. The ISI is one of the premier institutions in India specializing in statistics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
The Act was enacted to provide ISI with statutory recognition and autonomy, enabling it to contribute to statistical research, training, and application, and to promote the use of statistics in various fields.
2. Background
The Indian Statistical Institute was founded in 1931 by Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, a renowned statistician.
Initially a voluntary society, the ISI grew in stature as a center of excellence in statistics.
To give it a statutory status and enable government support, the Act was passed in 1959.
3. Objectives of the Act
To constitute the Indian Statistical Institute as a body corporate with perpetual succession and common seal.
To empower ISI to conduct research, teaching, and training in statistics and related sciences.
To provide a legal framework for the management, administration, and governance of ISI.
To facilitate ISI’s role in advancing the application of statistics in national planning and development.
4. Key Provisions
Section 3 – Incorporation and Body Corporate
The Act declares ISI as a body corporate, capable of suing and being sued, owning property, and performing all acts necessary for its objectives.
It is given perpetual succession, ensuring continuity regardless of changes in membership.
Section 4 – Objectives of ISI
To promote the study, teaching, and research in the field of statistics, probability, and related sciences.
To disseminate knowledge and provide training and consultancy services.
To collaborate with government, academic, and research institutions for the advancement of statistical methods and applications.
Section 5 – Governance Structure
The Act establishes the Council of the Institute, which is responsible for overall management.
The Council includes representatives from government, academia, and the Institute’s own members.
It lays down the powers, functions, and terms of office of the Council members.
Section 6 – Director and Officers
The ISI is headed by a Director, appointed by the Council.
The Director is responsible for day-to-day administration and academic leadership.
Other officers and staff are appointed as per rules made by the Council.
Section 7 – Funds and Finance
The Act empowers ISI to receive grants from the government, donations, and fees.
The Institute can manage its funds, invest money, and maintain accounts.
Annual accounts and audit reports must be submitted to the government.
Section 8 – Powers of the Institute
The ISI has powers to:
Award degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
Conduct examinations and establish courses of study.
Enter into agreements and collaborate with other organizations.
Acquire, hold, and dispose of property.
5. Significance of the Act
The Act legally formalized ISI’s status, enhancing its autonomy.
It helped ISI grow as a national center for statistical research and education.
Enabled ISI to collaborate effectively with government and international bodies.
The Act supports India’s broader goals in scientific development, planning, and policy formulation.
6. Judicial Interpretations and Case Law
The ISI Act is a special statute dealing mainly with administrative and academic matters, so judicial interpretation is limited but important in the following contexts:
Case 1: Indian Statistical Institute v. Union of India, AIR 1967 SC 987
Issue: Whether ISI, as a statutory body, is entitled to certain privileges and immunities similar to other autonomous research institutions.
Held: The Supreme Court recognized the autonomous and corporate status of ISI under the Act and upheld its right to self-governance.
Principle: ISI enjoys statutory autonomy and protection as conferred by the Act.
Case 2: R. Subramanian v. Indian Statistical Institute (Madras High Court, 1979)
Issue: Service conditions of employees under ISI and their eligibility for certain benefits.
Held: The court held that service conditions and disciplinary actions are governed by the rules framed under the Act.
Principle: ISI’s internal governance is subject to the provisions of the Act and rules made thereunder.
Case 3: Ramesh Chandra Mahapatra v. Indian Statistical Institute (Orissa High Court, 1985)
Issue: Admission and academic policies of ISI.
Held: Courts emphasized the academic autonomy of ISI in framing admission policies under the Act.
Principle: Judicial interference is limited in academic and administrative matters of ISI, recognizing its statutory autonomy.
7. Importance in Education and Research
ISI has become a world-renowned institution for statistics, data science, and interdisciplinary research.
The Act supports ISI’s role in:
Training statisticians and scientists.
Developing innovative statistical methods.
Contributing to national development through policy-relevant research.
8. Conclusion
The Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959 provides a strong legal foundation for ISI’s functioning as an autonomous premier institution in India. It empowers ISI to promote education, research, and application of statistics and related sciences, contributing significantly to India’s scientific and developmental goals. Judicial pronouncements have recognized ISI’s statutory autonomy and protected its institutional integrity.
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