New Delhi: Teachers of St Stephen’s College have alleged that implementation of the November 30 governing body resolution to amend the constitution will lead to complete takeover of the institution by Church of North India and by non-academic elements from outside.
In a turn of events, Stephen’s principal Valson Thampu has issued a notice for a special meeting of members of the society to consider the change of the present “St Stephen’s College” to “St Stephen’s Educational Society” and amendments to the memorandum of the society and rules stating that the GB on November 30 “unanimously” resolved for the same. The meeting is being convened on December 15.
“The proposal states there will be no representatives of the teachers, barring the principal, in the GB of St Stephen’s Educational Society. In the college GB there will be seven teachers in a body of 19. The issue is that the GB of the society will be the supreme body and control movable and immovable assets of the college,” said senior teacher Nandita Narain.
Teachers also allege Thampu is getting vindictive as he failed to hand over powers to CNI in his first attempt in 2009. They say before his term ends he wants to complete this. Thampu could not be contacted, The Times of India reported.
“The changes are happening as a certain section of the church wants to have complete control of the assets of the college. CNI anyway comprises two-thirds of the GB and has enough control. At present 50% of the academic control has kept a balance. The question is why are they doing it?” said another senior teacher.
The staff association of the college met on Friday and demanded that the December 15 meet be withheld till the election of the teachers’ representative to the GB are conducted. “Why are they denying our role? Even we are members of the society as per the current law. Why are we being kept out?” asked Narain.