TISS Suspends Student Unions Citing Governance Changes and Transparency Issues Amid Government Involvement

NEW DELHI, July 14, 2024 – The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has suspended student unions at its Hyderabad and Tuljapur campuses since June 25. This action follows the earlier suspension of the Mumbai union in May. These suspensions coincide with the issuance of controversial termination notices to over 100 staff members across its four campuses on June 29, which were later retracted. Students are raising alarms over delayed academic results and reduced transparency from the administration, attributing these issues to recent governance changes and alleged government interference.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences Important Headlines

Suspension of Student Unions: TISS suspended the unions in Hyderabad and Tuljapur on June 25, following the earlier suspension of the Mumbai union in May.
Staff Terminations and Retractions: Over 100 staff members received termination notices, which were subsequently withdrawn, but the unions remain suspended.
Governance Changes: Recent changes in Tata Institute of Social Sciences governance structure have increased government involvement, with chancellors and vice-chancellors now appointed by the education ministry.
Delayed Results and Reduced Transparency: Students report delays in exam results and a lack of administrative transparency, exacerbated by the absence of student unions.
Course Changes: TISS has introduced new, privately funded courses with high fees while discontinuing subsidized courses like MA Development Studies and Women Studies.
Scholarship Aid Reduction: Financial aid for food and accommodation at Tata Institute of Social SciencesHyderabad has been reduced from Rs 32,000 to Rs 18,000, impacting needy students.
Student Scrutiny: Increased difficulty in organizing events critical of the government, with heightened scrutiny on students and potential suspensions for dissent.

The suspension of student unions at TISS has sparked significant concern among the student body, particularly regarding the timing and implications of these actions. Chetan Bhalke, vice-president of the TISS Hyderabad Student Union, suggested that the administration’s actions were preemptive measures to stifle student protests against staff terminations.

“It appears the administration knew about the staff termination and suspended the union to prevent student protests,” Bhalke stated.

At TISS Mumbai, the suspension of the union coincided with the suspension of PhD scholar Ramadas Prini Sivanandan, who was penalized for participating in protests against the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Atul Padmavati Ravindra, president of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences Mumbai Student Union, highlighted the lack of response from the administration and the impact on student representation.

Student Concerns

Delayed Results: Students across campuses are experiencing delays in receiving their exam results, with the usual process of approval by the Academic Council being bypassed. This delay is affecting students’ applications for further studies.
Reduced Financial Aid: At TISS Hyderabad, financial aid for needy students has been significantly reduced, impacting their ability to afford food and accommodation.
Governance Changes: The new governance structure at Tata Institute of Social Sciences has led to increased government control, with chancellors and vice-chancellors appointed by the central government, replacing the earlier system involving Tata Trusts and UGC members.
Course Changes: Privately funded courses with high fees, while discontinuing subsidized courses like MA Development Studies and Women Studies.
Student Scrutiny: Increased difficulty in organizing events critical of the government, with heightened scrutiny on students and potential suspensions for dissent.

A student from Tata Institute of Social Sciences Hyderabad, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concerns over the increased government control, citing difficulties in organizing events critical of the government. “The government controls everything and doesn’t want dissent on campus,” the student remarked.

Future Prospects

The suspension of student unions and the accompanying administrative changes at Tata Institute of Social Sciences have broader implications for academic freedom and student representation. The increased government involvement raises questions about the autonomy of educational institutions and the potential suppression of student activism.

Chetan Bhalke:

“Without a union, student issues like fees aren’t addressed. A union ensures accountability.”

Atul Padmavati Ravindra:

“The administration hasn’t provided timely results or followed the usual process through the Academic Council.”

The situation at Tata Institute of Social Sciences serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing higher education institutions in India, particularly regarding governance, transparency, and student rights. The ongoing developments will likely continue to shape the discourse around academic freedom and institutional autonomy in the country.

The suspension of student unions at TISS highlights critical issues of governance, transparency, and student representation. As the administration and government navigate these changes, the impact on students and staff remains a central concern.

Further developments will determine the future trajectory of Tata Institute of Social Sciences and its role in the broader landscape of higher education in India. For more detailed updates and future developments, visit the official website.