Naming metro station 'FIITJEE-IIT' is misleading: HRD backs IIT-Delhi
Lending support to IIT-Delhi, the HRD ministry has asked the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to intervene in its ongoing metro station naming row. The premier institute had moved the HC last month, objecting to DMRC's decision of naming a station as FIITJEE-IIT. The ministry, in its letter, echoed IIT's version, that associating a coaching institute with it is misleading.
It gives an impression of FIITJEE-IIT collaboration: HRD ministry's letter
DMRC had named the station after the private coaching center as part of its revenue-generation exercise. However, the ministry said it gives an "impression that it is coaching engineering aspirants in association with IIT-Delhi," the exact concern raised by IIT-D authorities in the court. Further, the letter read that it has sought MoHUA's help to "ensure that the general public is not misled."
'DMRC's stance misleading and creates direct conflict of interest'
"Many parents, alumni, and aspirants are asking us whether we've tied up with the coaching institute, which is unacceptable," said V Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT-Delhi. Besides, the station is "inside IIT-Delhi; we gave land to DMRC and it's being named after FIITJEE," he rued.
Auctioning station names a part of DMRC's revenue model
Meanwhile, DMRC refused to comment saying the "matter is sub judice." The station, caught amidst the fight, lies on the Magenta Line under the recently-opened Kalkaji Mandir-Janakpuri West corridor. Since 2014, the Delhi Metro has been auctioning naming rights to sponsors, both private companies and PSUs, to boost revenue. FIITJEE is one such sponsor, and so its name is emblazoned on the metro station.
In last 4 years, 43 stations have been renamed
The Justice Rajiv Shakdher-led bench has asked DMRC to prepare a reply to IIT-Delhi's concerns by July 10. In the last four years, 43 stations have been put up for auction or renamed by sponsors under DMRC's co-branding policy, including 'Honda 2-Wheelers' Vishwavidyalaya station and 'JK-Tyre' ITO station. The sponsors' names are displayed prominently on the façade of the buildings.
These stations are set to be renamed soon
Another 14 stations that are to be renamed similarly include the ones at Terminal 1 of the airport, Greater Kailash, Okhla NSIC, Sukhdev Vihar and Panchsheel Park on Magenta Line, and Delhi Cantonment, Bhikaji Cama Place, Moti Bagh, INA and South Extension on Pink Line.
