Church backs changes to Stephen’s statute

Defending the controversial move to amend the century-old constitution of St. Stephen’s College, which is likely to vest principal Valson Thampu and the clergy with sweeping powers to run the college, the Church of North India (CNI) has claimed that it was for the benefit of the institution.

CNI general secretary Alwan Masih said, “The move has been well deliberated that the constitution needs to be amended, but it is not just to empower the church or the principal, it is only in the benefit of the institution and the students studying in it.”

“What is wrong if more institutions like St. Stephen’s come up under the same umbrella They will also share the legacy of the existing college and cater to more students. Similarly, what is wrong if the principal is granted more powers, he will work for the benefit of the institution only,” Mr Masih said.

Prof. Thampu, who is retiring in February next year, has come up with 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 the CNI in the functioning of the college, handing over powers to appoint faculty and admissions to its supreme council (SC) and recasting the composition of the governing body (GB).

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

Mr Masih, who is also a member of the governing body which will take a decision on the issue during a meeting scheduled for Monday, said, “If there are apprehensions about the amendments, all will be discussed during the meeting and the amendment will be passed only if there is a majority.”

This is not the first time that the CNI has come out in Prof. Thampu’s support. In July this year, when demands for Mr Thampu’s resignation grew louder, the CNI had come out with a statement saying they had full faith in his leadership.