Stephen’s may yield finally; plans SC/ST quota

According to a proposal, 40 per cent seats will be reserved for Christian students, 40 per cent for general category students and the rest for SC and ST students.

ST Stephen’s college may offer 20 per cent seats to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students starting with the coming academic session. According to a proposal being considered by the college, 40 per cent seats will be reserved for Christian students, 40 per cent for general category students and the rest for SC and ST students.

The college offers 440 seats in 11 courses. “St Stephen’s must have a conscience and a duty towards society and the poor. We cannot keep SC/ST students out. I am calling a meeting of all faculty members on June 11, and we will decide on the change in the admission policy,” said Reverend Valson Thampu, the college’s officiating principal.

The final nod, however, will come from the Supreme Council, the apex decision-making body of the college, he added. College officials said although there is a Supreme Court ruling which allows up to 50 per cent seats in minority institutions to be set aside for members of the same minority community which runs the institution, the intake of Christian students in St Stephen's was much lower.

HT Image

Who gets what
St Stephen’s is considering to offer 20 per cent seats to SC/ST students from 2007-08
The rest 80 per cent will be divided equally among Christian students, general category students
Supreme Council will take the final decision after faculty agrees to it