TISS crisis continues: Teachers criticize misrepresentation in contract renewal

Hyderabad: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences Teachers Association (TISSTA) has criticized the TISS administration for misrepresenting the ongoing crisis related to the non-renewal of contracts for 55 teaching and 60 non-teaching staff members.

Administration's Accusations and Faculty Response

On July 10, TISS issued a statement alleging that certain faculty members and students had exploited the institute's transition from being governed by the House of Tatas to being managed by the Central government. The administration claimed these individuals were spreading misinformation and discord.

However, TISSTA condemned this press note, stating on July 12 that it misrepresented the crises confronting the university and misled students, the media, and the public.

Background of the Contractual Issue

Last month, TISS issued notices to 55 faculty and 60 non-teaching staff regarding the renewal of their contracts, which were later withdrawn following backlash. The administration explained that these staff members were appointed under projects funded by the Tata Education and Development Trust (TET), which ended on March 30, 2024. The affected staff were aware of the discontinuation of their services, according to the July 10 statement.

Despite this, TISS paid their salaries for April and May 2024 out of humanitarian concern, borrowing from reserve funds and incurring financial liabilities. The institute accused certain faculty members of misleading the media to tarnish its image.

Funding and Staffing Solutions

The administration reassured that ongoing discussions with TET have secured funding until December 2024 to resolve the issue. TISS plans to continue with the TET-project-based contractual staff while identifying permanent staffing requirements as per UGC-approved guidelines.

TISSTA's Rebuttal and Faculty's Role

TISSTA countered that the 55 faculty members had been performing full-time responsibilities at various campuses, schools, and centers, on par with UGC-supported permanent positions. The association asserted that these staff members had taught in various Masters and Bachelors programs, conducted workshops, contributed to NAAC ratings, guided dissertations, participated in admission processes, and raised research grants as full-time employees.

"In stating that 55 teaching and 60 non-teaching staff were appointed under projects funded by the TET on a contractual basis, the TISS administration is distorting facts. These employees have been appointed as per the University Grants Commission (UGC) mandate and are not and have never been 'project staff' appointed to projects," TISSTA said.

Unresolved Termination and Leadership Apathy

TISSTA also noted that termination letters served to faculty and non-teaching staff of the Advanced Centre for Women's Studies have not been revoked despite UGC's reassurance about the continuation of the grant and extension.

Dr Asha Jatin, a faculty member highlighted the administration's apathy towards critical disciplines like Women's Studies, noting that requests for an all-faculty meeting have been ignored.

"This shows institute leadership's apathy towards critical disciplines like Women's Studies. In spite of repeated requests sent from TISSTA and the Deans to the VC to call for an all-faculty meeting, the administration has paid no heed," another faculty member Jagganath Bhalerao said.