Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Clarifies Students’ Protests

GUWAHATI: Representatives of the Government of India’s Post-Matric Scholarship (GOIPMS) wrote to the administration on January 16, 2019 stating that they were going to strike, since they felt that the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Guwahati Campus, had not adhered to the commitments made during the negotiations that were agreed upon in 2018. The basic demands were, full fee waver for GOIPMS students and no charges to be charged for hostels and dining hall.

In response to the protests of students who are recipients of the GOIPMS, TISS put forth their clarification.

Deputy Director of TISS, Kalpana Sarathy said, “There are specific criteria that govern the GOIPMS scheme and TISS is bound to follow them. The scholarship money is sent directly to the students by their respective governments and the Institute has no role to play there. The onus is upon the students to ensure that they follow up with their respective state administrations for the disbursement of the fee.”

Calming that TISS has tirelessly attempted to secure financial aid for deserving students, the Institute has urged the protestors and others to apply for student aid to ensure that their dining hall and hostel costs are taken care of.

“It is unfortunate that some of our most dedicated students are making it difficult for classes to resume in the middle of the semester. We implore upon them to continue to address their grievances but also acknowledge that the Institute is doing its best to secure funding and scholarships for students from marginalized sections of society. Calling off the current protests would be in the interests of students and the entire TISS community and a step in the direction of meaningful dialogue”, Kalpana Sarathy stated in a press release.

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