St Stephen's may put proposal seeking autonomy on hold

Following protests by students and teachers, St Stephen's College is considering putting a proposal seeking autonomy for the institution on hold.

The staff association of the college had earlier this week threatened that the teachers would resign from their administrative positions if the proposal is not reconsidered.

"During a five-hour long staff council meeting today (Friday), the principal informed us that he will take the concerns of the teachers to the Governing Body (GB) and the process may be kept on hold till consultations are on," a staff council member said. Amid protests from the students, the GB had last week decided to go ahead with the proposal to seek autonomy for the institution. The GB consists of 18 members, including teachers, members of the church and other elected representatives.

Principal John Varghese had earlier claimed the decision would not affect the students and teachers as the college's minority status already gives it autonomy. The students, however, staged a protest outside his office demanding "proper consultations" with various stakeholders.