TISS asks pro-VC to step down after charges of ‘irregularities'

Time of India

a day ago

Mumbai: The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has asked its pro-vice-chancellor Prof Shankar Das to step down. While the official order only mentioned that he is relieved from the charge with immediate effect "upon the approval of the competent authority," sources claimed there were allegations of financial misappropriation and irregularities in appointments of project staff against Das, report Yogita Rao & Hemali Chhapia.
Das, who has been in the running for the VC post at TISS claimed "the allegations are baseless" and "a targeted attempt to malign" his reputation. He held interim charge as VC of Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics, Pune, for the last 8 months.
A complaint was filed against TISS pro-vice-chancellor Prof Shankar Das with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and a subsequent probe by an internal committee prompted the institute to ask him to step down, sources said.
Das said he is deeply pained and shocked by the charges. "The institution gave me a clearance report on Nov 29, 2024, for the interview for the vice-chancellor's post on Dec 15, 2024. So, getting this order at this point is shocking for me," he said.
Das has held interim charge as vice-chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, for the last eight months. He has been associated with the School of Health Systems Studies at TISS for a long time.
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Das was also part of the controversial interim survey report, presented before the state assembly elections in Nov last year, stating that a significant number of illegal immigrants in Mumbai are Muslims from Bangladesh and Myanmar, influencing the socio-economic and political scenario.
Sources said the allegations against Das were about fraudulent bills produced for project work and also irregularities in staff appointments for projects.
"Preliminary investigations by an internal panel suggested there was substance in the allegations," said a source, adding there has been growing resentment regarding the "high-handed manner" in which he managed issues at the institute.
Das, however, said all the expenses at TISS, a Central university, are accounted for. "In all these years, my record has remained unblemished. I have consistently upheld the highest standards of integrity and commitment… After having served this institution with utmost sincerity and dedication for 35 years — as a student, faculty member and pro-vice-chancellor — this comes as a grave personal and professional affront.
The timing and nature of these allegations, especially in the absence of a sitting VC for the past two years, raises serious concerns. This is a critical phase of my career… To be subjected to such defamation at this juncture is deeply distressing, not only for me but also for my family and those who have known my journey," he said, adding he had full faith the truth will emerge. He also "respectfully" urged everyone to refrain from drawing premature conclusions.
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