TISS academic review report to come out in May
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has said that contrary to reports, the academic review committee report on the institute’s functioning will be released next month. The university denied that the report findings are being suppressed.
Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has said that contrary to reports, the academic review committee report on the institute’s functioning will be released next month. The university denied that the report findings are being suppressed.
While institute director S Parsuraman refused to comment on speculations over his resignation, as claimed by reports, the institute has said that he has not resigned and will continue as the director.
“When the report is not even complete and out, how can people claim that it is being suppressed?” said Neela Dabir, executive director, TISS.
A committee of 14 members, including vice-chancellors of several universities and top academicians, was set up last year to review the academic functioning of TISS. The report has been pending for over a year and has not been completed yet, leading to speculations that the institute does not want it published.
“I am disappointed that the report is not ready yet. It is my responsibility as the director to ensure that it happens. However, claims that the report states negative things about the university tarnish our reputation,” said Parsuraman.
Some sources at TISS claim the institute is under pressure to save face over the issue. “The fact that the report, which should not have taken so long, is still not out is a cause for concern. Some members have also expressed their displeasure over the lack of interest the institute has shown towards getting the report finalised,” said a professor from the institute.
The institute will wait for the committee to finish the report by next month, failing which the committee might be called off. The institute has been facing problems such as non-regulation of fees and unsanctioned teaching posts at the institute, which the review report tried to address, the professor said.
“About 20% of the report talks about shortcomings of the institute, which should guide authorities to overcome the inadequacies. However, claims that the campus has been expanded illegally are false,” Nimesh Desai, director, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Science, and a member of the review committee, said.