The Hindu : New Delhi News : DU writes again to St. Stephen’s

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DU writes again to St. Stephen’s

Parul Sharma

“Ad not in conformity with the UGC provisions”

“Issue a fresh advertisement after incorporating the changes”
“Don’t proceed with selection process on that advertisement”

NEW DELHI: Delhi University has sent another missive to St. Stephen’s College in less than a fortnight highlighting the anomalies in a recent advertisement issued by the institution inviting applications for the post of Principal.

The letter addressed to the Chairman of the Governing Body of St. Stephen’s College and written by Dean of Colleges Prof. Nayanjot Lahiri charged that the advertisement released on February 12 was “not in conformity with the relevant provisions of the law and the qualifications prescribed for the post by the University Grants Commission and the University Ordinances”.

The college media advisor Vinod Chowdhury confirmed that letter had been received on Thursday afternoon.

“The qualifications and the experience mentioned in the advertisement is not matching with the minimum qualifications and experience prescribed by the UGC regulations and adopted by the University under Ordinance XXIV,” said the letter.

The letter highlighted that as per the guidelines, a candidate applying for the post of Principal should have a Master’s degree in a relevant subject with at least 55 per cent marks, while the advertisement simply stated: “A Master’s degree in a relevant subject”.

Also, the age group of 50-60 years mentioned in the advertisement was “inconsistent” with the age prescribed by the University for the post of Principal. “Since the age of retirement is clearly stated as being 65 years, the prescription of minimum age of 50 years and maximum age of 60 years is not in order,” said the letter.

According to the communication: “While considering the candidate for the post of Principal, the Governing Body should ensure that the incumbents short-listed for the post of Principal possess a Ph. D. degree in a relevant subject, that is, a subject being taught in the college. This is because the Ordinances of the University recognise the Principal as a teacher.”

Valson Thampu, who is currently the Principal, recently obtained a Ph. D. in Theology from Allahabad Agricultural Institute.

On the condition stated in the advertisement that the applicants for the Principal’s post should belong to the Church of North India or a church in communion with it, the administration has observed: “The University appreciates the fact that St. Stephen’s is a minority institution…but at the same time, the Governing Body has to keep in mind that in case there is no suitable candidate belonging to a particular community, the College Governing Body should be able to recommend any other suitable candidates for the Principalship.”

The University has asked the Governing Body to “reword” the advertisement in a way which stipulated that “preference will be given to a candidate belonging to the Church of North India or a church in communion with it, other things being equal”.

The administration has directed the college to take cognisance of the deviations and issue a fresh advertisement after incorporating the necessary changes and has advised it not to proceed with the selection process of the Principal on that advertisement.

Meanwhile, Prof. Chowdhury said: “The Governing Body will meet on Friday and discuss all pertinent issues in response to its own resolution dated November 20, 2007.” Prof. Lahiri had sent a letter on February 11 asking the college to start the process of appointment of a regular Principal “strictly in accordance with the procedure laid down.” St. Stephen’s College has not yet issued a response to the first missive.

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