Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - A prestigious Christian institution in the national capital has announced reservation of seats for Christians discriminated on the basis of caste, according to SAR News.
St. Stephen’s College principal Valson Thampu told media persons June 19 in Delhi that 10 percent of the seats in the college would be reserved for the Christian Dalits (untouchables).
“Out of 400 seats, 10 percent will be reserved for the Christian Dalits and all avenues will be explored to ensure that those admitted cope with the demands of rigorous education,” Thampu said.
The decision to provide reservation to Christian Dalits seems to be in line with the direction given by Dalit rights activist and architect of the Constitution of India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Indian Christians are drawn chiefly from the untouchable classes and to a less extent from the low-ranking castes. St. Stephen’s is the oldest college in Delhi founded in February 1881. The college was established by a Christian mission from the Westcott House, Cambridge. The institution has an all-India and all-denomination membership. It has students and teachers from all communities and from all parts of India and abroad. (K.P.) (Agenzia Fides 24/6/2007; righe 9, parole 130)
