The Registrar of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai has issued a notice in which, while addressing a “critical issue” the authority has banned the on “Progressive Students’ Forum” (PSF).
The social media page of PSF labelled itself as a political organization and stated that it is a students’ initiative to build a democratic, secular space, and a culture of rational thoughts.
Calling the organization an “unauthorized and illegal forum” the Registrar’s notice claimed that the group has been “engaging in activities that obstruct the institute’s functions, defame the institute, demean members of our community, and create divisions among students and faculty. It has been observed that this group is misleading, distracting and misguiding students from their academic pursuit and harmonious life in the campus.”
The notice stated that the “TISS administration is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment for all members of our community. To safeguard these values and ensure that our campuses remain a place of positive engagement and academic growth.”
Imposing an “Immediate Ban” group from all institute premises and activities, the notice stated that “any attempt by this group to organize or participate in unauthorized events will be met with immediate intervention and consequences.” The notice stated that any student or faculty member found supporting, associating with, or propagating PSF’s divisive ideologies will be subject to disciplinary action. The notice also encourage anyone who encounters or is approached by members of PSF to report the incident to campus security or the institute’s student affairs office. “All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality,” states the notice.
The notice, signed by TISS Registrar, Professor Anil Sutar comes at a time when PSF has been at the centre of several controversies. In January 2023, it participated in screening of the controversial BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question”, inside the campus.
Following the screening, PSF has shown solidarity while protesting against suspension of 30-year-old Ph.D. scholar Ramadas KS over alleged ‘misconduct and anti-national activities’ at the institute. Apart from this, it has held various protests over several other issues and condemned the changes brought in the TISS admission process wherein it was declared that instead of its own entrance test, admissions will be based on CUET.
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Source: India Today
