It has more than made its presence felt in analysing multivariate anthropometric data, applying sample surveys as a method of data collection, analysing meteorological data and estimating crop yield to name a handful of fields it finds application. Its foundation can be traced to a high table of academia and industry as it came about post a meeting between Mahalanobis, Nikhil Ranjan Sen (Khaira professor of applied mathematics) Pramatha Nath Banerjee (Minto professor of economics) and Sir Rajendra Nath Mookerjee.

While its headquarters is in Kolkata, the other centres are located in Chennai, Bengaluru, New Delhi and Tezpur. It was recognised as an Institute of National Importance by Union government in 1959.

Its origin can be traced to the Statistical Laboratory in Presidency College by Mahalanobis. He taught physics in this premier college but his interest in statistics grew under the guidance of the polymath, Brojendranath Seal. All these antecedents make ISI an Indian institution in letter and spirit. In other words, it is rooted in Swadeshi with global recognition.

Though the BJP-led NDA government swears by Swadeshi, it is going all out to curtail the academic autonomy of this outstanding institution. This is another instance of academic autonomy finding it difficult to survive in today's India.

Founded nine decades ago, ISI finds itself faced with a draft revised Indian Statistical Institute Bill 2025. It aims to change ISI's structure of governance.

The draft Bill proposes a board of governors made up of persons nominated by the Union government. The councils comprising teachers, non teaching staff and representative of the Centre together with the teachers council shall be subservient to it.

This board shall decide the curricula and the directors appointment. This is stated to be in aid of greater autonomy and faster decision making. But to all intents and purposes, this is groundwork of a takeover.

The existing system of checks and balances is sought to be sent for a toss by the draft Bill. Worse things appear to be in store once it is passed. ISI focuses on pure theoretical research. Be it economics or mathematics or computers, such research has been the cornerstone of this institute.

But educational honchos in the saffron camp are of the view that pure theory is a waste of resources. These persons whose bent of mind is short of rationality are woefully unaware that theory is necessary for application in future.

The government insists on introducing Indian Knowledge System into every institution. It is looked upon by ISI teachers as a way to dilute scientific rigour by injecting pseudoscience. Much more alarming is the apprehension that research will be shackled. Moreover, there is an apprehension that data will be manipulated for outcomes convenient to the government.

The work of ISI researchers into the country's economics can be uncomfortable to the Union government. And one cannot rule out the researchers ability to detect fudging in statistical reports which will then be touted as success stories of the NDA government corroborated by figures. .

Suggestions emerging from the entire state of affairs do not paint the government in bright colours. It betrays a fundamental lack of understanding of learning or hostility towards it. It also reveals the NDA government's disregard for state laws as ISI's own governing society is constituted by a state law. It is another example of federalism going for a six.

The ISI Bill augurs ill for academic autonomy and research in India. Hollow bricks were used with minimum use of reinforced concrete to avoid radiation when Kolkata ISI came up. The present ISI academics are protesting against some of the provisions of the Bill but the centre is adamant, the Bill may be presented in the coming session of Parliament. (IPA Service)