St. Stephen’s College increases quota for Christians to 50 percent

Recognized as one of India's prestigious and leading institutions, St. Stephen’s College, yesterday, increased its quota for Christian students to 50%. The college has reserved 10% seats to economically and socially poor dalit Christians.

In what could bring another controversy, St Stephen’s spokesman Sunil Mathew made it clear that the percentage could even increase in future.

‘‘For this year, 50% is the cap on reservation for Christians. Next year we will look into the issue again.”

Mathew told TOI that the decision was a reflection of what the college’s supreme council felt. ‘‘Members felt Christians were not getting sufficient representation in the college and so the quota had to be increased,” he said.

The press release sent by Sunil Kumar Singh, Bishop, Delhi and chairperson, St Stephen’s Council clearly states:

“In any event, admission in Category A shall not be less than 50% and would also include Dalit Christian, Christian SC/ST and physically handicapped Christian candidates to the extent of 10% of the total number of sanctioned seats in the college.”

Last year, the 40% Christian quota included 10% for Dalit Christians but there was no provision for the physically handicapped or SC/ST category.

Since its founding in 1881, the college based in New Delhi, has produced a long line of outstanding alumni.

The college is named after Saint Stephen, who was adopted by the Anglican church as the patron saint of Delhi after Christian converts were reportedly stoned to death during the 1857 uprising.