Archive · 14 Jan 2026
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
- When
- Proposal announced on December 26, 2023; previous attempt in 2017
- Where
- Delhi University, Delhi
- Why
- To honor Banda Singh Bahadur's historical legacy, but faces opposition due to legal and stakeholder concerns
- 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