Mumbai: TISS lifts PSF ban after students’ protests

In a significant policy shift the Tata Institute of Social Sciences TISS has lifted its controversial ban on the leftleaning Progressive Students Forum PSF after sustained student protests This follows widespread criticism and student solidarity against the administrationrsquos earlier decision to label the PSF as an ldquoillegalrdquo and ldquounauthorisedrdquo organisationThe decision coincides with the introduction of a new Honour Code 2024 which has drawn controversy due to its perceived restrictions on student rights TISS has reportedly also revoked the Honour Code requirement for students enrolling in its Masterrsquos programmesThe PSF was initially banned earlier this year with the administration labelling it ldquoillegalrdquo and ldquounauthorisedrdquo This led to widespread protests with students arguing that the ban violated UGC guidelines which support the formation of student organisationsIn a statement the PSF highlighted that the ban on the group directly contravened UGC guidelines and targeted an organisation that had consistently raised concerns about TISSrsquos mismanagement The group celebrated the lifting of the ban as a victory for student activism crediting united efforts from students alumni and civil societyThe PSF also criticised the revised Honour Code stating that it imposed unreasonable restrictions on student rights and democratic freedoms ldquoRestricting democratic rights sets a dangerous precedent allowing university administrations to impose unreasonable restrictions that even surpass the Indian Constitutionrdquo the statement readThe ban was originally seen as an attempt to silence dissent particularly from marginalised groups Rightwing media had exacerbated tensions by branding the PSF as the ldquoPakistan Students Federationrdquo leading to social media trollingThe PSF credited the Progressive Studentsrsquo Organisation at TISS Hyderabad PSO for continuing to question the administrationrsquos actions and BJPled policies in their absence while also being the only group to actively challenge the unconstitutional Honour CodeA concerned student highlighted the impact of these policies on TISSrsquos inclusivity stating ldquoAs a pioneer in social science education TISS is expected to provide a safe space for students from diverse backgrounds These new policies are rapidly eroding that inclusivity and creating a hostile environment The revocation of the ban and the cancellation of the revised Honour Code is a clear victory for student voicesrdquoThe ban on PSF and the introduction of the 2024 Honour Code which students had to sign as part of the admission process sparked nationwide controversy The Honour Code granted TISS the authority to terminate enrolment for violations including engaging in political discussions or protests Critics argued that it curtailed free speech and democratic expression undermining the institutersquos inclusivityHowever some students saw the Honour Code as necessary for maintaining a peaceful academic environment with the administration stating that updates reflect evolving campus needsSpeaking to midday Narendra Mishra the Officiating Registrar of TISS confirmed the recent developments He stated ldquoWe had already clarified that we would review the decision to ban PSF Furthermore the institute has always welcomed feedback from students on campus issues Based on the feedback regarding both matters and after carefully reviewing the situation it was decided to revoke the ban and revise the Honour Coderdquo