Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Mumbai on Monday banned the Progressive Students Forum (PSF), a student organization affiliated with the leftist Students Federation (SFI). The institute says that this organization is misleading the students and defaming the institute. In April this year, the institute had banned a PhD student and PSF member for two years for “repeated misconduct and anti-national activities”.
Action will be taken against these students and teachers
According to the order, members of PSF (Pakistan Students Federation) have been banned from organizing or participating in any program on the campus. Furthermore, a warning has been given that any such attempt will be met with immediate intervention and consequences. Students have been asked to immediately report any encounter with PSF members to the campus. The identity of the students who are warned will be kept hidden. It has been said in this order that the institute will maintain a safe and cooperative environment. If any student or teacher makes bad publicity or promotes divisive ideas, action will be taken against him.
PSF had shown BBC documentary in the college campus.
PSF members expressed surprise at the ban on their signature campaign. The aim of the campaign was to complain to the Chancellor about the condition of contractual teachers and the ban on students’ programs. A PSF member said, “We will challenge this order.” Over the past 20 months, the PSF has been involved in several controversies. In January 2023, it screened the controversial BBC documentary “India: The Modi Question” on campus. In March 2023, the PSF protested outside the director’s bungalow because the administration had not given permission to organize the Bhagat Singh Memorial Lecture.
PSF was angry about CUET exam
In November 2023, PSF had criticized the change in the admission process of TISS that now the admissions will be based on CUET instead of the exam. There are many disputes between PSF and TISS administration, such as shortage of hostels and fees problems. PSF was among the six student organizations that issued a statement against the administration’s order on the model code of conduct in April 2024. PSF has been active on the campus for the last ten years and has been participating in student union elections. Its members have worked in various positions. Recently, PSF criticized the termination of contracts of more than 100 teachers, and the TISS teachers union supported it.