Mumbai: Dalit Scholar Suspended from TISS Amid Controversy Over Protest Participation

Mumbai, 21st April 2024: Ramadas KS, a Dalit scholar at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), has been embroiled in controversy, leading to his suspension and loss of national fellowship for Scheduled Castes and House Rent Allowance (HRA). His involvement in what the institute deemed as unlawful activities during a protest, including the Parliament March, has resulted in disciplinary action against him.

The suspension comes after Ramadas participated in a demonstration outside the Indian Parliament in January, organized by the Progressive Students Forum (PSF)-TISS, which the institute perceived as a misuse of its name. Additionally, Ramadas is accused of posting pamphlets on social media urging people to join the screening of the documentary ‘Ram ke Naam’ on January 26, which the institute considered as a mark of dishonor and protest against the Ram Mandir inauguration in Ayodhya.

Ramadas, a former general secretary of PSF and current member of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), has been a vocal advocate for students’ rights. Despite his academic excellence, having secured the national fellowship for Scheduled Castes, his participation in these events has led to his suspension and the discontinuation of financial support.

While some students’ organizations across the country have expressed support for Ramadas, viewing the two-year suspension as harsh for protesting against government policies, the institute maintains that his actions were unlawful and disruptive. Institute officials argue that students should prioritize their studies and refrain from engaging in political activities that tarnish the institute’s reputation and affect placements.

Ramadas was given a show-cause notice on March 7 and subsequently suspended based on the findings of an investigative committee. He has the option to appeal the decision within 30 days and is reportedly seeking legal advice on the matter.

The notice issued to Ramadas cited several instances of unauthorized events and activities, including the screening of banned documentaries and disruptive protests on campus. The committee concluded that such actions were not in the institute’s interest and violated its code of conduct.

Despite claims by the PSF that the actions against Ramadas are part of a broader crackdown on dissent by the institute administration, officials maintain that disciplinary measures are necessary to maintain order and uphold the institute’s reputation as a public-funded institution.