'Violation of all rules': DU directs St. Stephen's College to halt ex-principal's absorption as professor

The University of Delhi (DU) has directed St Stephen’s College not to proceed with the proposed absorption of its principal, Prof John Varghese, as a professor in the college, stating that such a move would be in violation of University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and university rules.

In a letter sent to the chairman of St Stephen’s College governing body on May 29, the DU Registrar said the university had noticed media reports regarding the proposed absorption of Prof Varghese into the college’s English department.

The university said the UGC, which provides funds to the college, approves permanent teaching posts only in colleges affiliated with the University of Delhi.

DU opposes Prof Varghese absorption

Referring to the governing body’s reported recommendation, the registrar said that the UGC Regulations 2018 and the university rules do not permit a person to be directly appointed as a professor in a college through absorption.

“The absorption of Prof John Varghese as Professor in the college is in violation of all rules of UGC and the University,” the registrar said in the letter.

The university also said that another extension given to Prof Varghese as principal was allegedly against UGC Regulations 2018. It added that the matter is currently being heard in the Delhi High Court.

Explaining how appointments and promotions happen in colleges, the university said assistant professors are promoted to associate professor and professor under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) mentioned in UGC Regulations 2018.

According to the letter, any recommendation made by the governing body on the proposed absorption would be against the rules and should not be implemented.

“Therefore, any such recommendation by the Governing Body is against the rules and should not be acted upon further. You are requested not to proceed with this,” the registrar wrote.

The university also said that under the current rules, Prof Varghese would have to return to his parent institution and would receive pension and other retirement benefits, if applicable, from that institution. It added that pension and retirement benefits related to him cannot be paid from the UGC funds given to St Stephen’s College.