TISS Teachers Demand Regularization and Salary Release Amidst Ongoing Turmoil
In the wake of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ (TISS) decision to retract termination letters issued to over 100 teachers, the Teachers Association of TISS (TISSTA) has intensified its demands for the regularization of faculty funded by the Tata Education Trust (TET) and the immediate release of pending salaries. The association has also voiced concerns over the continued termination of faculty members at the Advanced Centre for Women’s Studies, urging their reinstatement and the disbursement of unpaid salaries from March to June 2024.
TISSTA Condemns Termination of Faculty and Staff, Calls for Immediate Reinstatement
The TISS administration’s decision to terminate 55 faculty members and 60 non-teaching staff across its four campuses in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Tuljapur, and Guwahati has drawn sharp criticism from both student and teacher associations. The abrupt terminations, communicated on June 28, were temporarily reversed following a meeting between the TISS administration and the Tata Education Trusts (TET) on June 30.
TISSTA Challenges Classification of Faculty as Project Staff, Seeks Regularization and Absorption
TISSTA has raised objections to the characterization of TET-funded faculty as project staff, asserting that these individuals are integral members of their respective schools and centers. The association emphasized that these faculty members have been appointed through established selection processes, hold valid contracts, and have made substantial contributions to core teaching and educational activities for over a decade in many cases.
TISSTA Demands Financial Sustainability and Future Clarity for TET Faculty and Staff
The association has also expressed concerns about the financial sustainability and future prospects of TET faculty and staff, calling for parity with the 7th Pay Commission. Administrative delays have further exacerbated the situation, disrupting academic continuity as the Institute prepares to embark on a new academic session and transition to NEP frameworks for its teaching programs.
TISSTA Urges Comprehensive Plan for Regularization and Absorption of TET Faculty and Staff
TISSTA has called upon the TISS administration to formulate a comprehensive plan to regularize and absorb TET faculty and staff, including the mapping and filling of vacant backlog positions and new UGC posts. The association has sought a meeting with the TISS Vice Chancellor to seek clarity on recent developments and awaits a response.
Tata Trusts Agree to Release Pending Grant, TISS No Longer Under Tata Management
Meanwhile, Tata Trusts have agreed to release a pending grant of Rs 5 crore upon TISS issuing a charity certificate. Notably, TISS is no longer under the management of Tata Trusts, and no Tata representatives are currently on the board.
Key Learnings
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| TISS teachers demand regularization and salary release. | TISSTA is demanding the regularization of faculty funded by the Tata Education Trust (TET) and the release of pending salaries. |
| TISS administration withdraws termination letters. | The TISS administration withdrew termination letters sent to over 100 teachers after facing criticism from student and teachers’ associations. |
| TISSTA challenges classification of faculty as project staff. | TISSTA is concerned about the portrayal of colleagues as project staff and clarified that colleagues in Tata Trust positions are integral members of the schools and centers. |
| TISSTA demands financial sustainability and future clarity for TET faculty and staff. | TISSTA is also highlighting the financial sustainability and future of faculty and staff under TET, along with 7th Pay Commission parity. |
| Tata Trusts agree to release pending grant. | Tata Trusts have agreed to pay a pending grant of Rs 5 crore if TISS issues a charity certificate. |
| TISS is no longer under the management of Tata Trusts. | Since last year, TISS is no longer under the management of Tata Trusts, and no Tata representatives are on the board. |
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