Delhi University’s St. Stephen’s College has rejected the applications of 12 ‘single girl child’ students seeking admission to its undergraduate programme.
The applications were submitted under a supernumerary quota created by the Delhi University (DU) as a special provision implemented this year. However, the college did not accept these applications, according to Dean of Academics Haneet Gandhi.
Calls and texts to St. Stephen’s principal, John Varghese, for comment did not elicit a response. “Around 19 single girl child students applied for admission to the BA Programme course at St. Stephen’s. The college accepted the applications of seven students but rejected those of the remaining 12,” Gandhi stated.
“This year, we have instructed all colleges to admit extra students for optimal filling of seats. St. Stephen’s was asked to admit five per cent more students beyond its total seat capacity, but they refused to admit some single girl child applicants,” she added.
Gandhi mentioned that she sent an email to the college principal and extended the deadline for the college to accept the admissions until midnight yesterday.
“He responded by saying that we were asking them to admit students beyond their capacity. However, last year, St. Stephen’s admitted 20-30 percent more students,” she said.
