The management of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Mumbai has announced a ban on the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF-TISS), labeling it as “unauthorized and illegal.” This decision comes in response to the group’s recent opposition to the discontinuation of nearly 100 teaching and non-teaching staff by the institute, a move that was later reversed by the administration.
In an official communication from TISS registrar Anil Sutar, it was stated, “This notice addresses a critical issue regarding the unauthorized and illegal presence of the Progressive Students’ Forum on our campuses. This group has engaged in activities that obstruct the institute’s functions, defame the institute, demean community members, and create divisions.”
The office order further asserts that PSF-TISS has been misleading students and diverting their focus from academic and community life. “The institute imposes an immediate ban on PSF-TISS from all institute premises and activities. Any attempt by this group to organize or participate in unauthorized events will face immediate intervention,” the order specifies.
TISS management has warned that any student or faculty member supporting or promoting the group’s “divisive” ideologies will face disciplinary action. Individuals witnessing or encountering members of PSF-TISS are encouraged to report the incidents to campus security or the student affairs office, with all reports being treated confidentially. As a support measure, the institute offers services including counseling, yoga, and meditation to aid the community during this period.
“Compliance with these instructions is mandatory and any failure to adhere will lead to strict disciplinary measures,” the order states, signed by Mr. Sutar.
A faculty member, wishing to remain anonymous, contested the management’s narrative, claiming, “The narrative that PSF-TISS is a disturbance is false.”
Earlier, PSF-TISS had called for the immediate revocation of mass terminations by the TISS administration and urged discussions with the Union government and the University Grants Commission to safeguard the employment of those affected by the Tata Education Trust’s funding cuts.
