Noida, 01 July 2024: In a significant development, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has withdrawn the termination notices issued to over 100 teaching and non-teaching staff members across its campuses. This decision comes after the institute engaged in discussions with the Tata Education Trust (TET), which has now assured the necessary resources to address the funding crisis.
The termination notices, which were issued on June 28, had sparked widespread criticism and concern among the faculty, staff, and student community. The contracts of 55 faculty members and 60 non-teaching staff at TISS campuses in Mumbai, Tuljapur, Hyderabad, and Guwahati were set to expire on June 30.
Tata Trusts Commit to Releasing Funds for Salaries
According to the TISS administration, the ongoing discussions with the Tata Education Trust have provided the assurance that resources will be made available to the institute to resolve the issue. In a statement, the TISS Registrar said, “TET has committed to releasing funds for the salaries of TET project/programme faculty and non-teaching staff.
“The Registrar further clarified that the termination notice issued on June 28 has been withdrawn with immediate effect, and the affected employees have been requested to continue their work. The institute has assured that the salaries will be released as soon as the TET Support Grant is received.
Concerns Raised Over Funding and Governance Issues
The mass termination of staff had raised concerns among the TISS community about the institute’s funding and governance issues. A faculty member criticized the TISS administration, stating that the non-renewal of contracts should have been anticipated, and an exit policy or severance pay should have been in place.Another faculty member alleged that the issue was a result of “sheer mismanagement” by the administration, which failed to foresee the funding challenges and could not secure the necessary resources in a timely manner.
Shift in Governance and Funding Structures
The TISS, which was previously a fully UGC-funded deemed university, has undergone significant changes in its governance and funding structure. In June 2023, the institute came under the central government’s jurisdiction, with the head and other key positions being appointed by the government, rather than the governing board.Additionally, the institute’s funding sources have shifted, with the Tata Trusts playing a more prominent role in supporting various programs and faculty positions. The withdrawal of Tata Trusts’ funding for certain projects had led to the termination notices, highlighting the institute’s reliance on external sources of funding.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
The episode has also raised concerns about the impact on the quality of education and the future of the affected employees. The Progressive Students Forum (PSF) at TISS strongly condemned the mass termination and called for immediate action, demanding that the administration collaborate with the government and the UGC to secure funding for these positions.
As the TISS administration works to resolve the funding crisis, there are calls for greater accountability and transparency in the institute’s governance and decision-making processes. The reversal of the termination orders is a positive step, but it underscores the need for a more sustainable and equitable funding model to ensure the long-term stability and success of the renowned social sciences institution.
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