Mumbai: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has issued a memorandum to an assistant professor of its school on gender and livelihood at the Hyderabad campus for supporting the Progressive Students Forum (PSF) and expressing its concerns over the dismissal of TISS teachers. Arjun Sengupta, appointed to the Tata Education Trust (TET) in June 2017, addressed a protest rally on October 4 jointly organized by the Progressive Students Organization (PSO) and Ambedkar Students Association (ASA) at TISS Hyderabad.

During his speech, Sengupta spoke about the pressing issues facing the student community, including the massive and arbitrary dismissal of 119 teaching and non-teaching staff across TISS campuses. He also addressed the perceived attack on campus democracy and students’ rights, extending solidarity to Ramadas KS, a Dalit doctoral student and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) activist who was “undemocratically suspended for raising students’ issues.”

Sengupta stressed the importance of unity among students, teachers and staff to preserve the philosophy of TISS at a time when education at the institute is under threat.

Following his speech going viral on social media, the TISS administration issued a note to Sengupta on October 8. The note said that the case relating to Ramadas KS was pending before the Bombay High Court and hence Sengupta’s act seemed contemptuous. of the judicial authority. It further said, “Sengupta’s act is nothing but a pressure tactic and an attempt to gain some publicity and disrupt the peace and academic environment of the institute. »

The memo specifies that no employee of the institute should participate in any political or public activity without first informing the director. It also stipulates that TISS employees must not participate in any public debate or make any statements in public, including in the media.

Sengupta was given seven days to respond to the memorandum, with the caveat that failure to respond will be construed as having nothing to say on the matter, which could lead to necessary action. The memorandum states that an employee found guilty of a violation of work rules will be dismissed with immediate effect.

The TISS Teachers’ Association (TISSTA) has written to the institute’s registrar expressing concern over the action. In its letter, TISSTA argued that the memo to Sengupta reinforced “the growing perception among TISS faculty and staff that the current administration is unfairly setting an example for certain bodies/individuals with a view to stifling the academic integrity and freedom, thereby fostering a culture of overt and covert censorship.”

TISSTA called for the immediate withdrawal of the memo sent to Sengupta to reaffirm the institute’s commitment to academic freedom and to establish a process of constructive dialogue among various stakeholders, ensuring a supportive and inclusive academic environment at TISS .

In his response to the TISS memo, shared with Hindustan Times, Sengupta said, “The gathering was organized to address various issues and concerns relating to the current academic functioning at TISS, including the educational implications of the deep uncertainty facing 119 teachers and non-teachers are confronted. -teaching staff whose positions are funded by the Tata Education Trust (TET hereinafter). I was invited to speak at the rally by members of the student community. It should be noted that the rally was completely peaceful and democratic and took place during lunch time. . Therefore, this did not disrupt classes or any other academic activities in any way. »

Sengupta’s response further clarified that he had not, in his speech, “encouraged the PSF and PSO in their actions to make their voices heard.” He explained: “In the said video, I clearly mention the three main student organizations present on the TISS campuses – the Progressive Students’ Forum (PSF hereinafter), ASA and PSO – in recognition of the fact that it There is widespread concern today. and anxiety among the TISS student body at large regarding the academic implications of dismissal of many of their teachers after December 31, 2024. It is worth noting in this context that in the off-campus TISS Hyderabad itself- Even, TET faculty members account for more than fifty percent of the total faculty strength.

His 15-point response to the memo highlighted various issues regarding the students. “Based on the above points and arguments, I submit that the said memorandum is factually unfounded, unconstitutional, illegal and violates the principles of natural justice. As the said memorandum caused me serious mental distress and anguish, at one point Given that my future employment with TISS beyond December 31, 2024 is completely uncertain, I also submit that the said memorandum is morally repugnant,” Sengupta concluded in his response.

A TISS official confirmed that the institute had received a response from Sengupta. “As part of due process, the institute committee will take further decisions,” the official said.