01 July 2024 | TISS Teachers Association

We, the TISS Teacher’s Association (TISSTA) are releasing the following statement relating to the recent developments at the TISS -pertaining to the termination of faculty and non-teaching staff, who were receiving salaries from the Tata Education Trust and the UGC-supported Advanced Centre for Women Studies.

1. Following a meeting between TISS administration and the Tata Education Trusts (TET) on 30/06/2024, the order for the termination of faculty and staff receiving salaries from this source has been withdrawn. This is a temporary relief to our colleagues. However, we are concerned about the narration of our colleagues being projected as project staff. We clarify that our colleagues under Tata Trust positions are integral members of our Schools and Centres, appointed through a proper selection process and engaged through contracts, and have been contributing to the core teaching and educational activities of the Institute, in many cases for more than a decade. Further, while there is short-term/ temporary relief, there is no clarity on the way forward.

2. Termination letters issued to colleagues from the Advanced Centre for Women Studies have still not been retracted. As a UGC/Government of India scheme, there is a regular annual delay in receipt of grants, etc. Under the circumstances, such letters of termination should not have been issued to them. We reiterate that these letters must be retracted with immediate effect and they need to be reinstated and pending salaries released (March to June 2024)

3. We are concerned about the lack of clarity of the financial sustainability and future of the faculty and staff under TET along with 7th Pay Commission parity. The present situation was precipitated on account of administrative delays in taking timely action and ensuring academic continuity, especially when the Institute is about to begin its new academic session as we are transitioning to NEP frameworks for all our teaching programmes.

4. We seek a holistic roadmap from TISS Administration for the regularisation and absorption of TET faculty and staff with mapping and filling of vacant backlog positions and new UGC posts.

5. We have requested an appointment with the TISS Vice Chancellor to seek clarifications on this event/ development and we are waiting for his response.

Issued by TISSTA