Mumbai: TISS is set to appoint its first vice-chancellor (VC) under central govt norms, marking a significant shift in its governance structure. A search-cum-selection committee appointed by govt will conduct interviews in the city on Dec 15 to shortlist three names.
Sources said 127 senior professors nationwide applied for the job; 10, including five senior TISS faculty members, were shortlisted. The selection process will culminate with the committee recommending three names to the Union education ministry for its final choice.
The appointment will be the first under the revised UGC Regulations 2023, aligning TISS with other centrally funded deemed universities. It was earlier governed by a director appointed by its sponsor Tata Trust. Now, it will be led by a VC, with the Centre assuming greater control. The governing council will be replaced by an executive council, with the VC as its chairperson.
TISS has been without a full-time head since Sept 2023 when director Shalini Bharat’s tenure ended. A senior source said the shortlisted candidates include accomplished academicians with significant administrative experience.
“A sustainability plan to ensure that TISS remains financially stable has also been drawn up, and it includes offering multiple online programmes and expanding its reach to a larger base of students. The plan has drawn up various measures that TISS can take up to ensure its former glory is achieved,” said another source. tnn