MUMBAI: After abruptly cancelling its annual convocation just two days before the scheduled ceremony last weekend, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has rescheduled the event for Aug 22. In another mail, the institute has asked students to submit their reimbursement claims for travel between July 31 and Aug 3. While CJI Justice Surya Kant was the chief guest for the cancelled Aug 2 convocation, a new guest for the rescheduled event has not yet been finalised. Students had claimed that the institute was probably concerned over protest fears linked to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Though, the institute only attributed the cancellation to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.An institute official said the Aug 22 date was finalised to ease the anxiety among graduating students. “The institute is currently awaiting confirmation from the prospective chief guest, with a final decision expected in the next few days,” said the official. In an email, the institute has directed the administrative secretariat to collect all original bills, receipts, tickets and boarding passes for reimbursements. “For air/train travel, original tickets and boarding passes (both sides) must be submitted. In case of cancellation, the original cancelled tickets must be submitted too,” mentioned the mail. The complete set of documents, including a NDC (no dues certificate) clearance, with a covering note indicating the student’s name and the total amount proposed for reimbursement, must be submitted. Secretariats are requested to submit all the original documents by Aug 10. While students were unsure whether the benefit will be extended to all, the administration clarified that every genuine claim will be reimbursed. An official said that the institute has already extended all relief possible to the students. “For the students and parents using the guest house, costs were waived off. Provisional degree certificates have been made available to students who need it. We have already extended all help,” added the official. Hundreds of students, who had travelled to Mumbai, or were on their way to the city with their parents and relatives, were upset about the financial losses they incurred on travel and accommodation in Mumbai, due to cancellation.
