Mumbai: In the upcoming students’ council elections, being held after a gap of nearly two years, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has asked candidates to submit an undertaking stating that they are not affiliated with, nor do they represent, any political party, political organisation, or student wing thereof. This requirement has drawn opposition from a section of the students, who see it as ‘an attempt to undermine the basic constitutional rights of students’.A student from the institute said that the undertaking has a striking similarity to the changes made to the institute’s honour code in 2024, which also met with opposition from a large section of students. The student added that the idea is also opposed to the students’ council constitution which allows for students to associate with organisations and have political affiliations.An institute official, however, clarified that the undertaking would not be used as grounds to disqualify any candidate. “I believe this has been part of a process that has been followed for some time. While it has already been issued this year, we will review this particular condition from the undertaking from the next election cycle. Students need not worry about it. In any case, the oath taken by elected representatives after the elections will carry more relevance later than this undertaking,” the official said.Students are, however, not convinced. “The authority of the students’ union has anyway been diluted in the new proposed constitution for the students’ council. Though the administration has sought suggestions on the draft, the process of nominations had already commenced. Friday was the last day to submit our suggestions on the draft and Thursday was the last one for nominations. There are restrictions on campaigning too. It just shows that the institute will be opposed to dissent even in future,” said a student.Apart from the political affiliations, the undertaking also seeks declaration on disciplinary action, inquiry, or adverse proceedings – pending or have been initiated by the institute – against the candidates. They are also asked to maintain a minimum attendance of 75% in the previous semester(s) and no academic arrears in the year of contesting the election.
