(PTI)
New Delhi, Nov 22: Any move to amend the 102-year-old constitution of St Stephen’s to give more powers to the principal and Church of North India (CNI) might cost the college its Delhi University affiliation as it would be in violation of the varsity’s statutes and ordinances.
Also, sources said, de-recognition by the university is likely to result in the prestigious college losing funds from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which currently provides 95 per cent funding to the institution with the remaining money coming from the CNI-controlled St Stephen’s Trust.
Stephen’s principal Valson Thampu, who is retiring in February next year, has circulated a draft amendment in which he has proposed that the principal be empowered to take disciplinary action against students or staff irrespective of the Governing Body’s opinion.
He has also called for giving a major say to CNI in the functioning of the college, handing over the faculty appointments and admissions to the Supreme Council and amending the composition of the GB.
The amendment also proposes to replace St Stephen’s College Trust, which currently runs the college, with a proposed St Stephen’s Educational Society, which will have the power to establish Stephen’s-like private institutions across the country.
But, the proposed amendment is likely to become a bone of contention between St Stephen’s and Delhi University as, according to university statutes, a constituent college of DU is bound to follow common rules laid down in the ordinance regarding faculty appointments, constitution of governing bodies and powers of the principal.
“If the institution which was granted the status of constituent unit changes the very nature of the constitution, its recognition will be jeopardised.
“There are certain exemptions for Stephen’s due to its being a minority college but, in this case, DU may object to any amendment which is prejudicial to the university and, if the college is de-affiliated, it might lose UGC funding,” a source said.
