The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has condemned the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) administration’s decision to replace the TISS Students’ Union with a Students’ Council. SFI alleges this move weakens student representation and grants the administration complete control over campus democracy.
Administration Takes Control of Student Representation
SFI stated the administration’s new system creates a Students’ Council. Class representatives will be elected for each class in every program. These representatives will form the Council. However, SFI claims the Council lacks a coordinating body. The administration holds full authority over the Council.
Under the new regulations, TISS administration will nominate elected students to various committees. These committees include finance, cultural, literary, and sports. The administration can also add non-elected members to these committees. SFI argues this centralizes power within the administration.
Concerns Over Student Funds and Event Planning
The students’ body also raised concerns about financial transparency. The new regulations do not outline year-round event planning. They also do not specify how students can access funds contributed through their fees. This lack of clarity raises questions about the use of student fees.
SFI Blames BJP Government
SFI attributes these changes to the RSS-backed BJP government. The organization stated TISS, a respected institute for social science research, is now being used to restrict student rights. They described TISS as a laboratory for attacking the academic environment. SFI asserts these actions undermine campus democracy.
Demands for Reinstatement
The SFI has strongly condemned the administrative control over the Students’ Council. The organization is demanding the immediate reinstatement of the TISS Students’ Union. They call for fair student representation, transparency, and accountability in the union’s operations.