The Tata Institute of Social Sciences Teachers’ Association (TISSTA) has vehemently criticized a recent statement issued by the administration of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), alleging misrepresentation of facts and misleading the public regarding the university’s ongoing challenges.
TISS administration accused certain faculty members of damaging the institute’s reputation amidst a turbulent period. A statement said, “These employees have been appointed as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) mandate and are not and have never been ‘project staff’, appointed to projects. They have taken full-time responsibilities of campuses, schools, and centres of which they are a part, which are on par with UGC-supported permanent positions. The 55 faculty members have taught in various Masters and Bachelors programmes, conducted workshops, contributed to NAAC ratings, guided Masters and PhD dissertations, participated in admission processes, and raised research grants, in their capacity as full-time employees,” as quoted by The Indian Express.
It added, “not a single consultation meeting was held with the 115 affected employees in the last one year”. The association further said, “When the Deans of various schools of TISS enquired about this matter, they were led to believe and assured that these positions were secure for the forthcoming academic session at a meeting held on April 2 by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, in which the Vice-Chancellor was present,” added, “clarity on the way forward post-December 31, 2024.”
Earlier this year, on June 28, TISS made headlines after abruptly terminating 55 teaching and 60 non-teaching staff members across its campuses, citing financial constraints related to releasing grants from the Tata Education Trust (TET). This move sparked widespread criticism and concern within academic circles and beyond.
However, in a turn of events, TISS reversed its decision following assurances from TET regarding the availability of necessary funding to support the salaries of the affected staff members.
According to TISSTA, the administration's characterization of these staff members as being employed "under projects funded by the TET on a contractual basis" distorts the circumstances surrounding their employment and dismissal.