The governing body of St Stephens College has decided to apply for autonomous status despite the disagreement shown by teachers and students of the college.While the governing body met on last Saturday,students and members of Delhi University Teachers Association also protested outside college against the discussed proposal.
St Stephen’s College alongwith a few other Delhi University Colleges,is applying for autonomous status as per the guidelines of the University Grants Commission. Among other colleges that may apply are Shri Ram College For Commerce, Hindu College, Sri Venkateswara College and Hansraj College.
Autonomous status means that the college will no longer be a DU constituent college and will be free to take its own decisions in framing syllabus, fee structure, starting new college branches and will enjoy other academic freedoms.Last year,UGC had notified Delhi University and its affiliated colleges that provision for autonomous status had been incorporated in the new guidelines. Representatives of willing colleges were asked to apply for it. Though such demands have been raised in the past too,this time the university has formed a committee to look into it.
