Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai

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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"TISS has withdrawn the notices issued to the faculty and staff over the lack of funding from the Tata Education Trust (TET).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and TET on Sunday, the order for termination of faculty and staff receiving salaries from this source has been withdrawn," TISSTA stated.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In 2017, too, mass termination letters were given to teachers and were later withdrawn.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.