Stephen’s alumni ask PM to step in
St. Stephen’s College’s Supreme Council on Monday passed a resolution stating that its alumni have no right to interfere in its internal matters even as a group of former students alleged “rampant illegalities” in the functioning of the college and sought the HRD ministry’s intervention.
Releasing a white paper detailing alleged financial and administrative illegalities under principal Valson Thampu, the Association of Old Stephanians, a body not recognised by the college, has sought intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union HRD ministry.
The association, which has been raising several allegations against Mr Thampu, has received support from Duta. The Duta has alleged that DU vicechancellor Prof. Dinesh Singh has failed to take any action despite repeated complaints to him.
Media coordinator of the association Ashish Joshi said, “Given the rampant illegalities that plague the running of the college, it has now become imperative for urgent intervention by the PM and HRD ministry as well as a comprehensive audit by the office of CAG.”
The “white paper” has raised several allegations, including the appointment of Mr Thampu being illegal in view of improper qualifications, illegal appointment of college chairman, improper functioning of the governing body and victimisation of several persons by principal leading to increased litigation in courts. “We have been raising allegations over the functioning of the college and have also sought intervention of the varsity authorities. However, having exhausted all avenues, we have sought the government’s intervention as both DU and Stephen’s are institutions of national repute,” added Mr Joshi.
The college’s Supreme Council resolved that certain alumni are resorting to false propaganda and the college shall not be forced to deviate from “its time- tested traditions, conventions and convictions, nor forego its Constitutional rights, through any tactic or strategy based on it.”