Harsimrat Requests PM to Sack Dayal Singh College Management

Chandigarh, May 2 (PTI) Union Food Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Dayal Singh College governing body chairman Amitabh Sinha for hurting the sentiments of the Sikh community.

The Union minister, who briefed the prime minister on the issue today, said despite a written assurance by Prakash Javadekar on January 16 this year that the name of the college would not be changed, its management deliberately "inflamed" the sentiments of the Sikh community by putting up banners changing the name of the college to Vande Matram Dayal Singh College at its annual prize distribution function on April 25.

Earlier today, Javadekar said the HRD ministry will not allow Dyal Singh (Evening) College to be renamed Dyal Singh Vande Mataram College and will take action against its management committee for doing so without consent.

Delhi University, however, maintained that no such decision has been taken.

Badal alleged that Sinha was deliberately "misusing" the name 'Vande Matram' at the cost of destroying the legacy of noted philanthropist Dayal Singh Majithia who was a social reformer and had donated all his wealth for public welfare.

The union minister in a statement here also requested the prime minister to take strict action against Delhi University vice chancellor Yogesh K Tyagi who she said had allegedly extended indirect support to Sinha and had "failed" to take action against the latter despite receiving numerous complaints against him.

Badal made it clear that the college transfer deed had been violated by its governing council by renaming it as 'Vande Matram' College on November 17 last year.

She said the transfer deed clearly stipulated that the institution would continue to be known as Dayal Singh College after its takeover by the Delhi University in 1978.

She disclosed that the land on which the college stands is still in the name of Dyal Singh College Trust Society.

Making out a case for quick resolution of the entire issue, the union minister told the prime minister that the actions of the college governing council were being seen as an "oppressive" move against the minority community and that this impression should be dispelled immediately.

She also briefed the PM that the issue concerned the sentiments of the Sikh community besides honoring the memory of Dayal Singh who was held in high esteem by the community because of his contributions to the society.

Badal said the PM was appreciative of her concerns and assured her to look into the matter and take necessary action.

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