New Delhi: Teachers of one of India's top educational institutes, the St. Stephen's College on Thursday launched a protest campaign against the bishop of the college, alleging "reckless" interference in its administrative and financial matters.
At a press conference in the capital, the college's dean Nandita Narayanan said, "Bishop Sunil Kumar Singh, who is a member of the college's supreme council, has adopted a highly intimidatory and authoritarian style of functioning, interfering in the college's administrative and financial matters recklessly."
"This is a matter of great concern for us because this affects the college as a whole," she said.
The 14-member group of teachers and a few alumni of the college who were present at the press meet alleged that in clear violation of the University of Delhi Ordinance, the bursar of the college was appointed by the bishop this year.
"As per the University of Delhi Ordinance, the bursar shall be appointed by the governing body at the recommendation of the principal. However, the bishop rejected the principal's recommendation and during a two-day leave of the principal, appointed an interim bursar," Narayanan said.
"The action of the bishop has put the college in conflict with the University Grants Commission (UGC) which could endanger our UGC grant. Ninety five percent of the college grant comes from the UGC and, therefore, this threatens our very existence," she added.
The teachers also alleged that the bishop has interfered in the college's administrative functions.
"Despite a staff council resolution passed in April this year regarding admissions,the bishop issued directives which exceeded his power," Narayanan said.
"He also interfered in the appointment of staff and gave a show cause notice to the principal for questioning the superintendent of exams who refused a physically challenged student the facilities authorised by the university."
"We will explore all possible ways - probably even go to court if need be - to set things right. The government of India should set an enquiry into the bishop's functioning," she added.
The protesting teachers will, however, continue taking their classes so that the students' studies are not affected.
-- IANS