Ad puts Thampu back in St Stephen’s top job race

FINE PRINT: The Supreme Council attributes the contents of the ad to the church of north India.

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Keywords: National Commission For Minority Educational Institutions, Stephen Valson Thampu

New Delhi: Shortly after Rev Valson Thampu's resignation, St Stephen's Supreme Council on Wednesday re-advertised for the post of Principal.

While the previous ad taken out during Thampu's tenure raised many eyebrows – with 50-60-year age criteria being against UGC guidelines – the new ad too was equally controversial.

It had the same criteria.

The Supreme Council attributes the contents of the ad to the church of north India and says it is a mistake. They say it will be rectified soon.

But some are still wary of the council's intentions.

Says Delhi University Reader, Christial Devadawson, “I will not be applying if there is no level playing field. Even if I get in, what will I tell my students if I haven’t got in through fair means.”

If 50-60 age criteria is stuck to, following contenders who stand to lose out:

• Dr Jacob Cherian
• Dr Amit Abraham
• Dr Christial Devadawson
• Dr Anil Wilson

The gainers could be:

• Dr MS Frank
• Reverend Valson Thampu.

Says Sunil Mathew, Supreme Council’s media advisor, “If Rev Valson Thampu applies, he could be a strong contender.”

Though the Supreme Council has agreed to withdraw the advertisement. Their final decision will still have to pass the High Court's scrutiny, which means they must either comply with UGC guidelines or be ready to face more embarrassment in case an appointment they make is rejected.