St Stephen’s college opens principal recruitment after long dispute with Delhi University
St Stephen's College has issued a public advertisement to recruit a new principal, formally initiating the selection process after years of dispute with Delhi University over leadership succession and procedural norms. The move follows DU's objections to the extended tenure of the current principal and comes amid ongoing tensions between the college and the university.
New Delhi: St Stephen’s College in Delhi has formally initiated the search for a new principal, ending years of contention with Delhi University (DU) over leadership succession and procedural compliance. On Saturday, the college issued a public advertisement inviting applications for the post of principal, marking a significant step after prolonged disagreements with DU.
The notice encourages eligible candidates, preferably those belonging to the Church of North India (CNI) or a church in communion with it and under 60 years of age, to apply. The appointment will follow University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, with a 21-day window for submissions from the date of publication.
One accused of illegally holding office
The move comes after the term of the current principal, Professor John Varghese, expired in March 2021. However, he continued in office beyond the end of his five-year tenure a continuation that DU consistently termed "illegal” and "non-statutory” in official correspondence.
According to DU officials, principals at affiliated colleges are to be appointed for a five-year term, with reappointment requiring a fresh selection process under UGC regulations. Earlier, DU raised concerns that this procedure was not followed in Varghese’s extended tenure.
Rajni Abbi, Director of DU’s South Campus, stated that the vacancy for the principal’s post has now been officially notified by the college. Meanwhile, Balram Pani, Dean of Colleges, said the advertisement "appears to be a procedural step” following the end of the extension period of the current principal. The appointment file will proceed to DU once the shortlisting process is complete.
Multiple disagreements between college and university
The recruitment drive also follows a broader backdrop of tensions between the college and the university, including earlier disagreements over admissions procedures and compliance with DU’s directives on entrance test norms.
St Stephen’s College has additionally sought proposals from external search agencies of international repute to assist in identifying suitable candidates for the principal’s position, underscoring the institution’s efforts to widen its search for leadership.