The prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) faced backlash from students, political leaders, and activists after their decision to dismiss 100 teaching and non-teaching staff due to lack of funds. The Progressive Students' Forum (PSF) and other student bodies condemned the mass termination and urged the administration to revoke the order. Meanwhile, opposition parties like CPI (M) and RJD criticized the BJP-led government for its "misplaced priorities" in higher education. The institute has now withdrawn the order after the Tata Education Trust assured to provide necessary resources.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Withdraws Mass Termination Order Amid Backlash
The prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) recently faced intense backlash from students, political leaders, and activists over its decision to dismiss 100 teaching and non-teaching staff due to financial constraints.
Background:
TISS is a renowned social sciences institute established in 1936 by the Tata Education Trust. The institute is known for its academic rigor and has consistently ranked among the top universities in India. However, in recent years, TISS has faced financial troubles due to declining government funding and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mass Termination Decision:
On July 19, 2023, TISS announced its decision to terminate the services of 100 employees across its campuses in Mumbai, Tuljapur, and Guwahati. The administration cited a severe financial crisis and the need to reduce expenses.
Student and Political Protests:
The decision sparked widespread outrage among students, who formed the Progressive Students' Forum (PSF) to protest the mass termination. The PSF and other student bodies argued that the dismissals would severely affect the quality of education and lead to job losses in the social sector.
Opposition political parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal, also condemned the decision and accused the BJP-led government of prioritizing higher education cuts over other expenses.
Withdrawal of Order:
Following the protests, TISS met with the Tata Education Trust to discuss the financial situation. On July 22, 2023, the institute announced that the mass termination order had been withdrawn after the Trust assured adequate funding.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q: Why did TISS decide to dismiss 100 employees? A: TISS cited a severe financial crisis and the need to reduce expenses due to declining government funding and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: What was the student response to the decision? A: Students formed the Progressive Students' Forum (PSF) and organized protests to condemn the mass termination and demand its revocation.
Q: How did political parties react to the news? A: Opposition parties like the CPI (M) and RJD criticized the BJP-led government's "misplaced priorities" in higher education and accused it of underfunding social welfare institutions.
Q: Why did TISS withdraw the termination order? A: TISS met with the Tata Education Trust, which assured adequate funding to cover the financial deficit.
Q: What is the current status of the situation? A: The mass termination order has been withdrawn, and TISS has resumed normal operations.
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