New Delhi: St. Stephen’s Principal Reverend Valson Thampu’s proposal to amend the 102-year-old constitution of the college has been rejected.

In a meeting held on Monday, the college’s staff association decided against the proposal saying they will appeal to the Church of North India (CNI) against the move.

“The staff association conducted a special meeting on Monday to discuss the proposal. 26 members opposed the move to amend the constitution. We will appeal to the higher authorities, including the university and the Church of North India (CNI), to consider the repercussions of the amendments and reject the proposal,” a member of the staff association said.

Mr. Thampu, who also came to the meeting for a few minutes, did not answer any questions regarding the amendments. Due to retire in February next year, he has circulated a draft amendment proposing that the principal be empowered to take disciplinary action against students or staff irrespective of the Governing Body’s opinion, The Hindu reported.

He has also called for giving a major say to the CNI in the functioning of the college, handing over faculty appointments and admissions to the Supreme Council instead of the Governing Body and amending its composition.

The amendment also proposes to replace the St. Stephen’s College Trust, which currently runs the college, with a proposed St. Stephen’s Educational Society that will have the power to establish a St. Stephen’s-like private institutions across the country.

“If the amendment is passed, the Governing Body which so far takes a call on all important issues will be devoid of all powers. Also with changes in the composition of this body, the role of the teachers will be marginalised,” another member said.

The move to amend the constitution has also attracted the ire of the college alumni, who have criticised the proposal as an attempt to Christianise the institution and turn it into a Christian ghetto.

While university statutes say that the move to amend the constitution is in deviation of the rules laid down in the ordinances and can result in de-recognition of the institution, Mr. Thampu has been claiming that it is the Supreme Council’s decision to make the amendments, and that there is no violation of procedures or law in the same.

The amendment draft will be placed before the Governing Body on November 30.