Barkatullah University may soon get new name:EC approves proposal for renaming as Vagdevi Bhojpal University

A fresh debate has emerged over the renaming of Barkatullah University in Bhopal. The university’s Executive Council (EC) has approved a proposal to rename the institution “Vagdevi Bhojpal University.” The proposal was passed during a meeting of the Executive Council on Wednesday and has been forwarded for further consideration. The final decision now rests with the state government and the Governor. The Governor serves as the Chancellor of Barkatullah University. Proposal linked to cultural and historical identity During the meeting, supporters of the proposal argued that the name of King Bhoj represents Madhya Pradesh’s rich historical, cultural and intellectual heritage. They said associating the university with Bhoj would give the institution a stronger cultural identity and a new direction for its future development. Academic restructuring also approved Along with the proposed name change, the university has also approved academic reforms. Traditional subjects such as Arabic and Persian will be merged and reorganised into a new Department of Comparative Language and Culture. University officials described the move as an effort to align academic programmes with modern educational requirements. Opposition to the name change begins The proposal has already drawn opposition from some members of the Executive Council. EC member Dr Tahira Abbasi objected to the move, arguing that the current name honours freedom fighter Barkatullah Bhopali and should not be changed. She suggested that if authorities wish to use the proposed new name, it should be assigned to a newly established university instead of replacing the existing name. Government must complete legal process Renaming a state university requires more than an administrative announcement and must follow a formal legal process. The proposal is first approved by the university’s Executive Council and then sent to the state’s Higher Education Department and the government for consideration. Amendment bill required Since state universities operate under specific state legislation, changing the name requires an amendment to the relevant law. For this, the state government must introduce an amendment bill in the Legislative Assembly. Once the bill is passed and receives the Governor’s approval, an official notification is published in the state gazette. After the notification is issued, the university’s new name becomes legally effective. Official records to be updated after approval If the proposal ultimately receives all required approvals, the university will update its website, degree certificates, academic records and other official documents to reflect the new name. The proposal is currently awaiting further consideration by the state government before the formal legislative process can begin.