New Delhi:  As many as 123 deemed-to-be varsities have been directed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to drop the word university from their names.  PK Thakur, Secretary of the UGC in a circular Dt 10 November 2017 mentioned that as per the Supreme Court order, deemed varsities can no longer use the word “university” in their names. The notification came after the SC observed that use of ‘university’ in their names by deemed-to-be-varsities violates Section 23 of the UGC Act.

The circular says the Institution should restrain from using the word ‘University’ with its name failing which necessary action would be initiated against the Deemed to be University in accordance with the UGC (lnstitutions Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2016. Instead, the Institution may mention the word “Deemed to be University” within parenthesis.

Further, the circular clarified that in those cases, where the Government of India Notification is with the word ‘University’, the Deemed to be University may submit a proposal with alternative name (without using the word ‘University’) to the UGC/Ministry of HRD so that necessary amendment can be made by the Ministry of HRD.

The UGC directed all 123 deemed-to-be varsities to submit compliance in respect of the above within 15 days from receipt of this letter.