John Varghese continuing ‘illegally’ as principal of St Stephen’s College: Delhi University

NEW DELHI: Delhi University has said that continuation of John Varghese as the principal of St Stephen’s College is illegal. In a letter to St Stephen’s College chairman, DU said that the extension of appointment of Varghese as principal for another term is “null and void”.

“The Competent Authority of the University after taking cognizance of the above is of the firm view that since the Supreme Council of St. Stephen's College has not followed due processes and procedures envisaged under the relevant UGC Regulations, the decision taken by the Supreme Council of the College in extending the term of appointment of Dr John Varghese as Principal for another term is ab-initio null and void. Continuation of Dr John Varghese as Principal after completion of the tenure is illegal,” said the letter from DU.

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The University explained that it was notified to all the colleges including St Stephen's College that the term of appointment of the college principal will be five years with eligibility for re-appointment for another term only after following the due process of selection. It stated that the re-appointment of principal for another term may be considered only after following due process of selection laid down under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.

“However, this has blatantly been violated by the Supreme Council of the College, which is not tenable,” DU alleged.

According to DU’s letter, UGC regulations on minimum qualifications for appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges and measurers for the maintenance of standards in higher education, 2018 adopted by the university and notified to all the colleges state that college principal will be appointed for a period of five years, extendable for another term of five years on the basis of performance assessment by a committee appointed by the university. The committee for assessment of college principal and professor for second term will have a nominee of the vice chancellor, and a nominee of the UGC chairman.

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“However, in the present case, the appointing authority of St Stephen's College did not pay any attention to the proviso of the UGC regulations on minimum qualifications for measurers appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges and for the maintenance of standards in higher education, 2018 university,” DU letter further said.

Delhi University further said that the University exercises its functions over affiliated colleges in administration matters and is responsible for maintaining academic standards under these provisions. Hence, it is obligatory for the colleges, institutions to ensure that the provisions are duly complied with. However, St Stephen's College which receives 95% of its maintenance grant by the UGC and 5% by Trust has violated the spirit of proviso of the UGC regulations.