Thampu: Statute changes in tune with law

Principal says governing body meet had full quorum, slams teachers

The amendments in the 102-year-old constitution of St. Stephen’s College are “natural”, “necessary” and in accordance with relevant provisions of law, principal Valson Thampu claim-ed on Tuesday and alleged that a section of vested in-terests were spreading misconceptions about the move.

Mr Thampu claimed that the recent governing body (GB) meeting, in which the amendments were approv-ed, had full quorum and sl-ammed teachers for questioning the quorum after deliberately and publicly “boycotting” the meeting.

He also clarified that the concerns about the college losing its affiliation from the Delhi University and ultimately the funding from the University Gra-nts Commission (UGC), were part of a “false propaganda”.

“The society of St. Stephen’s College is amending its constitution which is a natural, necessary and in accordance with all relevant provisions of law. The amendments have been necessitated due to changes in law, the enormous transformation in education and the need to reach out to those in need,” he said in a press statement.

“The governing body meeting on November 30 met quorum requirements. The rumour spread that 8 members boycotted the meeting is false and malicious. The GB currently comprises 15 members. Of the 15, 10 members attended, which is two-thirds. It does not have to be emphasised that non-members cannot boycott meetings!,” he added.

Mr Thampu said that while DU provides for only two teacher representatives by rotation based on seniority, the college had provided for two additional elected teacher representatives.

He alleged that when the college notified for these two positions for elected teacher representatives, not even a single teacher filed nomination.

“The proposed amendments are meant to bring it in harmony with applicable laws, including the statute of DU. This exposes the false propaganda that the college will lose its affiliation if its constitution is amended. This malicious campaign is aimed at spreading panic among the teaching community, students, their parents and the alumni. It is baseless to insinuate that the UGC will stop grant-in-aid if the college constitution is amended. There is no UGC rule that disallows any institution from amending its constitution,” he said. — PTI

Mr Thampu, who is retiring in February next year, had come up with a draft amendment in which he had proposed that the principal be empowered to take disciplinary action against students or staff, irrespective of the GB’s opinion.