Tata Education Trust-funded projects: Grace period set to end, TISS says enough funds for some more months

Emphasising that there is no reason to worry for students and staff, an official from the institute said, “Considering the additional funding by TET in June, there is enough fund at this moment to continue TET-funded projects for another two months. Simultaneously, the sustainability committee is working to find ways to continue these projects in future. They are also in talks with TET. Within a few days a concrete plan should be ready.” The official was responding to queries related to concerns raised by a few students.

Earlier in June, citing lack of funds, TISS had discontinued contracts of over 100 staff members appointed under the TET-funded projects. The decision was withdrawn within days as TET assured extended funding. While the issue was resolved temporarily with additional funding, the institute said this will allow the administration to continue TET-funded projects until December-end. And a committee of senior professors was formed to find sustainable ways to continue the projects thereafter.

Recently, one of the students’ collectives on campus — Progressive Students Forum (PSF) — wrote to the TISS Teachers Association stating that lack of communication regarding future plans has left students in a state of uncertainty. “Without further clarity from the administration, we face an impending crisis where essential faculty may be lost, severely impacting our education,” states the letter dated November 29.