Government to Appoint TISS Director Instead of Tata Trusts-led Board
In a recent development, the central government of India will now be responsible for appointing the director of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and several other deemed-to-be universities across the country. This change comes as a result of new regulations introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which brings universities receiving over 50% funding from the government under its purview for appointments.
Under the previous system, the sponsoring body, Tata Trusts in the case of TISS, held the authority to appoint the director through its governing board chaired by a Tata Trusts representative. However, with the new regulations, an executive council headed by the government-appointed vice-chancellor will replace the governing board.
Apart from TISS, these UGC guidelines will impact five to six other institutions, including Dayalbagh Educational Institute in Agra, Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women in Coimbatore, and Gurukula Kangri in Haridwar. Concerns have been raised about the autonomy of these institutions following the change in management.
M Jagadesh Kumar, the chairman of UGC, stated that these new regulations aim to bring uniformity to the university system, aligning these deemed-to-be universities with central universities. He emphasized that the institutions would enjoy the same autonomy promoted in central universities funded by the government. Additionally, he added that these establishments would receive further freedom in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
The governing structure of these deemed-to-be universities will also undergo a change, replacing the governing board with an executive council and academic council, similar to the structure adopted by central universities.
A representative from Tata Trusts confirmed that they would comply with the proposed changes for TISS. Although Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT) founded TISS in 1936, the government has become its primary backer over the years. SDTT currently has three nominees on the TISS governing board, with the government and state also having their respective representatives. The director of TISS is selected by a search-cum-selection committee established under the directions of the UGC.
Jairam Ramesh, a Congress leader, expressed concern over the government’s increased involvement in the appointment process, particularly in the field of social sciences. He highlighted that successive governments had previously ensured the autonomy of TISS, which has predominantly relied on government funding.
This recent development raises questions about the balance between government control and institutional autonomy. However, UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar believes that these changes will only elevate the institutions and provide them with greater freedom, while still maintaining a certain level of government oversight. The impact and implications of these new regulations will become clearer as the executive councils take charge of their respective universities.
As the central government takes on the responsibility of appointing directors for these universities, it remains to be seen how this shift will shape the future of these esteemed educational institutions and their academic pursuits. The balance between autonomy and government intervention will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in maintaining their integrity and academic excellence.
