TISS removes pro-vice chancellor after charges of irregularities

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has asked its pro-vice-chancellor Prof Shankar Das to step down. The official order said that he is relieved from the charge with immediate effect “upon the approval of the competent authority”.

However, TOI reported citing sources that there were allegations of financial misappropriation and irregularities in appointments of project staff against Das.

Das, however claimed, “the allegations are baseless” and “a targeted attempt to malign” his reputation, adding that 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.

TOI sources claimed that a complaint was filed against Das with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and a subsequent probe by an internal committee prompted the institute to take action. He will, however, continue as the professor at the institute.

Das was the interim charge as vice-chancellor of Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, for the last eight months.

He was also part of the controversial interim survey report, stating that a significant number of illegal immigrants in Mumbai are Muslims from Bangladesh and Myanmar, influencing the socio-economic and political scenario.

TOI sources suggested that the allegations against Das were about fraudulent bills produced for different projects and also irregularities in staff appointments for projects.

“Preliminary investigations by an internal panel suggested that there was substance in the allegations,” a source told TOI. The source also revealed that there has been growing resentment recently regarding the “high-handed manner” in which he managed issues at the institute.

A faculty member from the institute said that he kept threatening people that he would get students to file cases against them if his orders were not followed. "Many of us are happy that action has been taken and he is not in a leadership role now," said a faculty member.

Das, however, said all the expenses at TISS, a Central university, are accounted for.

“In all these years, my record has remained unblemished. 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.