NEW DELHI: The Central government today clarified its stance over the row involving changing the name of a Delhi University college saying it was the government’s decision and added that it had been put on hold.
Last month, the governing body of Dayal Singh Evening College had decided to change its name to Vande Matram College, evoking strong responses from several quarters.
The issue of renaming of the college was raised by Shiromani Akali Dal member Naresh Gujral during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha saying it was an “unfortunate decision.”
The MP said that he admitted that the words Vande Matram evoked strong patriotic fervour in every feeling but added :“to change the name of a minority institution is a direct assault on the feelings of Sikhs..I feel this is something to be condemned.” He also demanded that the managing committee of the college be replaced immediately.
Responding to this, Human Resources Development minister Prakash Javadekar said, “It is not the (central) government’s decision and the government does not like it. That’s why we have asked that the decision be withheld forthwith and an immediate meeting be convened..we don’t like it and such a thing won’t happen.”
The minister also told Upper House of the Parliament that the Delhi University has been apprised of the Centre’s stance over the issue. “Creating unnecessary controversies by playing with the emotions (of minorities) is wrong,” he added.
Dayal Singh College is named after philanthropist and social reformer Dyal Singh Majithia who is feted for working for education of the downtrodden and opening several schools and colleges in Punjab in the 19th century.