St Stephens staff protest against church interference in governance

As the governing body of St Stephens college today met for the first time at the residence of the bishop of Church of North India (CNI), teachers of the institute staged a peaceful demonstration outside the venue protesting against the church's interference in its governance.

The teachers alleged that it is for the first time that a regular meeting of the college's governing body (GB) is being held outside the premises of the institute, during which the Bursar (treasurer) of the college will be decided.

They claimed that CNI's interference in the financial, academic and administrative structure is eroding the autonomy of the college.

"In its 128-year-old history, the college treasurer's post has always been held by the principal who appoints the Bursar. For the first time, a person from a non-academic background has been appointed as treasurer," said Nandita Narain, who teaches math in the college.

She said, according to the college constitution, the treasurer can appoint the Bursar, which will go against the university ordinance that said the GB, on the recommendation by the principal, should appoint the Bursar.

The teachers said they have a letter written by the registrar of the university which stated that it will not recognise any Bursar appointed by any other method.

"And as per the university and UGC, the college will not receive any fund, if the Bursar is appointed against the rule," Narain said.