Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
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ISSUES
Honour code
2024
Yogita Rao, Sep 4, 2024: The Times of India
From: Yogita Rao, Sep 4, 2024: The Times of India
MUMBAI: A pledge that is part of an 'honour code' signed by students at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) this year states that "I would not indulge in any political, anti-establishment, unpatriotic discussions, demonstrations, dharna or any form of activities that disturb the academic environment of the institute. I understand that any infringements would attract strict action against me'.While the honour code has been in existence at the university for some time, the changes this year have raised some eyebrows on the campus.The university has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, starting with the the unofficial screening of a banned BBC movie last Jan, to the recent ban on a student collective, Progressive Students' Forum (PSF), which the institute claimed was 'unauthorised' and 'illegal'. PSF has been active on the campus for 12 years.
With the signing of the new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) early this year, the university, known for its contribution towards social work education, was brought under the ambit of the union ministry of education. The university was earlier managed by the Tata Trusts, which had its nominee as chairperson of the board. With the new MoA, the institute is now governed by the TISS Society, chaired by the union education minister. This was after the Central govt's decision to bring all institutions that receive over 50% grants from the Centre under its jurisdiction. TISS was one of them.
In April this year, Ramadas K S, the former general secretary of PSF, was suspended for two years for participating in 'unlawful' and 'anti-national' activities.
While his suspension matter is in the court, a TISS student said the revision in the honour code this year could be following this development. "How can an institute's honour code precede constitutional rights?" asked the student, adding the institute has been making these norms stringent every year. He said the validity of this code should be challenged too. This year's code mentioned that 'the undertaking is legally binding'. It also mentioned that violation of the code could lead even to expulsion.
Speaking about the honour code, Medha Patkar, a respected alumna of TISS, said bringing students under such bondage will not resolve the conflict between the administration and students' community but will only worsen the situation.
"Students and alumni should appeal to the administration for more dialogue. The code that students have been asked to sign is also against the basic constitutional rights. TISS alumni are known for their work in peace and non-violent work in society. They can act as mediators between the institute and students too," she said.
YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS
As in 2024 June
July 1, 2024: The Times of India
MUMBAI: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), set up in 1936 by Tata Trusts - the country's largest charitable trust - will no longer be backed by them. Sources from Tata Trusts claimed that they will only be part of social projects, where it will have a say, and not where it does not have any form of representation. Through a memorandum of association, TISS was brought under the purview of the Union education ministry early this year, with only one Tata Trusts' representative in the society but none in its executive council, that will manage the institute.
This was brought to effect following UGC regulations for all universities that receive more than 50% grants from Centre. While TOI had reported about the change in TISS organisational structure, the impact is seen only now, when the contract of 115 staff members - 55 teaching and 60 non teaching staff - funded directly by Tata Trusts came to an end.
"TISS has withdrawn the notices issued to the faculty and staff over the lack of funding from the Tata Education Trust (TET). Following a meeting between TISS administration and TET on Sunday, the order for termination of faculty and staff receiving salaries from this source has been withdrawn," TISSTA stated.
Sources from Tata Trusts have added that the trust, however, has agreed to pay a balance grant of Rs 5 crore if TISS issues a charity certificate. "TISS hasn't provided the certificate till date. Despite this, Tata Trusts has agreed to pay the balance of Rs 5 crore, after which there is no commitment from their side. TISS is no longer under the management of Tata Trusts since June 2023. None of their representatives are also on the board. The trust believes that it has to back social projects where it will have a say," said sources.
Following the trust's commitment to release funds for their salaries, on Sunday, TISS administration withdrew the mass termination notices issued to the staff members from across its four campuses. Though these teachers' were paid salaries from its reserve fund for some time, on Friday, the institute had to issue termination notices.
In 2017, too, mass termination letters were given to teachers and were later withdrawn. "This may repeat again in six months. We are seeking a long-term solution to the problem," said an affected teacher. "The administration has been calling the contractual faculty members as project staff as the salaries are not funded by UGC grants. But teachers are recruited through a due process, given appointment letters, placed on a scale, and given a provident fund number. These faculty members are also part of the data provided to NAAC and NIRF ranking. The teachers are holding positions of chairs, heading centres, and doing as much work as the full-time staff. A better solution will be to absorb the eligible staff in UGC positions that are lying vacant.”
Another teacher said they were involved in redesigning the institute's programmes in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and were also part of the admission process till Friday evening. "These teachers make up for about one-fifth of the staff strength and if the uncertainty on their continuity remains, it will affect many programmes, and will eventually affect the students," said the teacher.
A TISS official said they have been in discussion with Tata Trusts for the release of the funds for these staffers. "They have agreed to make the resources available to resolve the issue. Accordingly, notices issued have been withdrawn, and teachers have been asked to resume. The salaries will be given as soon as the trust releases the fund," the official said. "We shall discuss with Tata Trusts for sustainable plans of the project and these staff members, keeping in mind govt and UGC regulations and the institute's requirements.”
The affected teachers plan to meet the vice-chancellor on Monday to discuss a long-term solution. They also plan to write to the Union education minister, chancellor D P Singh, and Tata Trusts.
