7 months ago
DU Proposal to Rename Dyal Singh College Hits Opposition
Delhi University wants to rename Dyal Singh (Evening) College to Banda Singh Bahadur College to honor a famous Sikh warrior.
The college staff and others are against this change because they say it goes against the rules set when the college was given to the university.
They also worry that changing the name might cause legal problems and force the college to move.
The university says they will discuss the matter further.
This is not the first time there has been a proposal to change the name of the college, as a similar attempt in 2017 was also opposed and dropped.
Delhi University proposes renaming Dyal Singh (Evening) College after Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur.
College staff and stakeholders oppose the change, citing legal agreements and lack of consultation.
Clause 12 of the 1978 transfer deed mandates the college retain the name Dyal Singh College.
Previous renaming attempt in 2017 was dropped due to opposition and legal concerns.
University registrar states the matter will be placed before the Executive Council for discussion.
- Who
- Delhi University, Dyal Singh (Evening) College staff, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, Dyal Singh College Trust
- What
- Proposal to rename Dyal Singh (Evening) College after Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur
- Where
- Delhi University, Delhi
- When
- Proposal announced on December 26, 2023; previous attempt in 2017
- Why
- To honor Banda Singh Bahadur's historical legacy, but faces opposition due to legal and stakeholder concerns
Key facts
- Proposed New Name
- Banda Singh Bahadur
- Current Name
- Dyal Singh (Evening) College
- Date of College Establishment
- 1959
- Date of DU Takeover
- 1978
- Previous Renaming Attempt
- 2017 (Proposed as 'Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya')
- Key Clause in Transfer Deed
- Clause 12 (College to continue as Dyal Singh College)
- DU's Stance on Renaming
- Matter to be placed before Executive Council
Quotes
College Staff Association
Representative body of the college's staff
“the Administration, through the Principal’s Office, initiated the process of changing the college name, as announced by the [V-C]… This action was taken without prior consultation with the staff council or other stakeholders [teaching staff, non-teaching staff, and students].”
indianexpress.com
“According to the agreement between the Dyal Singh College Trust and University of Delhi, a name change is not permitted. Any such change may result in serious consequences, including bifurcation, establishment of a separate governing body, and possible relocation of the college.”
indianexpress.com
Vikas Gupta
Registrar of Delhi University
“The matter shall be placed before the Executive Council…”
indianexpress.com
“We shouldn’t have two colleges with the same name running as Day Colleges.”
indianexpress.com
Yogesh Singh
Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University
“Today, as Banda Singh Bahadur is being spoken about, although the decision is to be finalised… we wish to name Dyal Singh Evening College after Banda Singh Bahadur.”
indianexpress.com
