TISS opens new chapter; offers contracts to professors

Updated on: Saturday, July 23, 2011

Performance indicators and pink slips are no longer the perils of only corporate jobs. The government-funded Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has become the first public university in the country to adopt the Western model of recruitment by employing teachers on a contractual basis and assessing their performance before extending their three-year tenure. Besides, it will give students a crucial role in deciding the fate of their professors.

The Mumbai-headquartered university will implement these path-breaking measures on its new Hyderabad campus. The campus had got initial financial support from the Azim Premji Foundation. The decision was taken as it was felt that the faculty in several universities sign up with a lot of enthusiasm but, as years roll by, turn into dead wood, thanks to the ‘promise of pension’, said sources. “We are keen on appointing individuals who bring strong interdisciplinary research experience and are also good.” said Lakshmi Lingam, deputy director of the Hyderabad campus.

In order to attract marquee names, the institute will also have some permanent positions, which will be supported by the University Grants Commission. “Also, if a contractual faculty member has a good track record, he will be put on permanent rolls,” added Lingam.

TISS opens new chapter; offers contracts to professors

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