Delhi University's St. Stephen’s College has canceled its orientation program that was set for today (August 28). In a notification, Principal John Varghese announced the cancellation of the event. “Please be informed that the orientation programme scheduled for 10 am on August 28 now stands cancelled. Regular classes will begin on August 29. Please be seated in the college hall at 9 am for the morning assembly,” said the notification from the college principal John Varghese. The notification did not provide a reason for the cancellation of the orientation program. What happened? This decision comes at a time when St. Stephen’s College has faced controversy for not accepting applications from 12 students seeking admission to undergraduate courses under the ‘single girl child’ quota. The supernumerary quota, introduced by Delhi University as a special provision, was implemented this year. “About 22 students applied to the college out of which 12 applications were under the single girl child quota. The college did not accept these applications,” The Indian Express quotes Dean of Academics Haneet Gandhi as saying. Gandhi further added that the college told the varsity its seats were full. According to Delhi University's allocation under the quota, St. Stephen’s College is required to reserve seats for 19 such students. Gandhi also mentioned that this year, all colleges have been instructed to admit additional students to ensure optimal seat occupancy. The allocation percentage is determined based on various trends from previous years, including withdrawal rates, popularity, and other factors specific to each college.
