<h1>Ministry proposes new law replacing 1959 statute to give national research institute greater autonomy, lean governance, and expanded programs</h1> A central ministry has published a draft bill to revise the law governing a national statistical and research institute, seeking public comments by 24 October 2025. The proposal would replace the existing 1959 statute with updated legislation to align the institute's status with other Institutions of National Importance, revamp governance through a leaner empowered board, and enhance autonomy, accountability, and academic excellence ahead of the institute's centenary in 2031. The draft aims to expand programmes, strengthen research and policy support, and improve transparency and decision-making; stakeholders are invited to submit suggestions in prescribed formats.