The Maharashtra government plans to ask the central government to rename the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay to IIT Mumbai . Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made this announcement recently. This decision brings back an old discussion about the institute’s name and the city’s identity.
The move comes after a recent comment by Union Minister Jitendra Singh . During an event at IIT Bombay, he joked, "thank God, IIT Bombay’s name still remains." This comment caused criticism from political parties like Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and others. They said such remarks do not respect Mumbai's official name and Marathi pride.
Why Change the Name Now?
Chief Minister Fadnavis explained his reasons in Nagpur. He said that the city was officially renamed Mumbai almost 30 years ago . Institutions located in the city should also reflect this change. Fadnavis added that names like "Bombay" should slowly be removed from public use. This would respect the cultural feelings of the state and the decision made in 1995 to change the city's name. The change from Bombay to Mumbai was a significant step in removing colonial-era names and embracing local identity.
For many years, various groups in Maharashtra have asked for the name change of institutions that still use "Bombay." This is part of a wider movement across India where cities and places changed their colonial names. For example, Madras became Chennai, and Calcutta became Kolkata. These changes aim to highlight India's own history and culture and to move away from names given during British rule. Renaming IIT Bombay is seen by some as a natural next step in this process for Mumbai, making sure that one of its most famous institutions fully represents its current identity.
The Formal Request and Approval Process
Fadnavis stated that his government will send a formal letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi . They will also write to the Union education ministry . This letter will officially ask for the name change of IIT Bombay. This formal request from the state government shows a strong push for the change, driven by public sentiment and historical context.
However, the final decision about renaming IIT Bombay rests with the Central government. IITs are national institutes, meaning they are controlled by central laws and rules. They are managed by the Union government, not the state government. Any change to their name would need administrative approval from the Centre. This process involves careful review by various central government departments and ministries. It would also require updates in many official records. These include academic records, legal documents, and international listings for the institute. This ensures that the change is recognised everywhere and does not create confusion for students, faculty, or global partners.
Impact of a Potential Name Change
IIT Bombay is one of India's most respected engineering and technology institutes. It attracts top students from across the country and the world. If the name changes to IIT Mumbai, it will affect many areas. For current and future students, degree certificates, transcripts, and other official documents would show the new name. Alumni records and databases would also need to be updated. The institute’s official branding, its website, and all physical signs on campus would reflect "IIT Mumbai." While such a change might seem simple on the surface, it involves a large amount of administrative work and coordination at both state and central levels. It also signifies a symbolic shift, connecting the institution more closely with the city's evolved identity.
This discussion highlights the ongoing effort to balance historical legacy with cultural identity and pride in India. The Maharashtra government's request shows its commitment to aligning public institutions with the city's current official name. The central government's response will determine the future name of this renowned educational institution, marking another chapter in its long history.
