Relief for Thampu as DU changes stand

In a U-turn of sorts, Delhi University (DU) seems to have changed its stand on the qualification criteria for appointment of principal to a college, reports HT Correspondent.

In a U-turn of sorts, Delhi University (DU) seems to have changed its stand on the qualification criteria for appointment of principal to a college.

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Hindustan Times, in a story on June 2, had reported that the university had not yet approved the appointment of Valson Thampu, Principal of St Stephen’s College.

The report was entirely based on DU’s reply to an RTI application filed by a former Stephanian.

The reply (a copy of which is with HT) implied that Thampu does not have relevant qualification — to have cleared National
Eligibility Test (NET) or have a Phd in a subject taught in college — to head an institution.

However, on Wednesday (a day after the report appeared) the university changed its stand in another letter addressed to the RTI applicant.

The document clarifies that NET is a requirement for appointment of lecturer only and not of principal. It also states that a candidate eligible for the post only needs to have a Phd degree and not one in a subject taught in college.

The clarification raises questions on DU’s inconsistent view on the qualification criteria for a principal’s post.
Last year the university had issued a letter to the Chairman of the Governing Body of the college stating Phd has to be in a relevant subject.