The Congress party has accused the Modi government of ruining the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), saying the institution has become directionless and corrupt under its watch. The party demanded the immediate removal of TISS Chancellor D. P. Singh, who has been named in a CBI FIR related to a major medical education scam.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the Modi government has been trying to take control of top educational institutions for the last 11 years. “JNU, Delhi University, and Visva-Bharati University were the first targets. Now, TISS is under attack,” he posted on X.
He pointed out that after the UGC took over appointment powers at TISS in 2023, the Education Ministry failed to appoint a full-time Vice Chancellor. Interviews were held in December 2024, but the position remains vacant.
Meanwhile, the pro-VC was asked to step down last month due to financial irregularities flagged by the Central Vigilance Department.Ramesh criticized the appointment of Chancellor D. P. Singh, saying, “The one appointment that the Ministry did succeed in making — that of the Chancellor — has also turned out to be a poor choice.” Singh, a former UGC chairperson, is now accused in what’s being called India’s biggest medical scam.
“The Education Ministry has taken over TISS only to leave it directionless and without governance,” Ramesh said.
He demanded Singh’s dismissal and a prompt appointment of a new Vice Chancellor, adding, “The Education Minister owes us all an explanation.”
