Minority body wants member to quit, seeks HRD ministry help

While the Commission has stopped paying salary to Thampu for his services as one of the three members of the Commission, it has sought MHRD intervention in the matter.

In a letter dated July 16 to the MHRD, NCMEI objected to Thampu’s continuation as member of the Commission on the grounds that his appointment at a minority college might impinge on the fairness of judgments delivered by him as member of the Commission. NCMEI decides on disputes relating to the minority status of educational institutions and other related issues.

The Commission also argued that no member of NCMEI should accept employment in a private educational institution, especially a minority college, as it “violates” service rules applicable to all members of the Commission.

“Our objections are two-fold: as a member, you cannot accept any other post since you are not supposed to hold two offices of profit. And, you can’t accept appointment in a minority college as issues of impartiality and fairness are involved,” an official added.

Acting on the NCMEI letter, MHRD has now written to Thampu. “The Government position is that a member of the Commission can’t hold two offices of profit simultaneously, particularly in a minority college since he sits in judgment on them. However, government is not expected to direct or guide people in such respectable positions. But our letter is indication enough that he must not continue,” said a Ministry official.

Moreover, Thampu is also facing trouble with Delhi University as his appointment as officiating principal of St Stephen’s College has not been ratified as yet, sources said.

“He doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria for a principal or an OSD as he doesn’t hold a PhD degree,” said a source from the university. Thampu was unavailable for comment.