Gujarat Cracks Down on Misuse of Government Names

GANDHINAGAR : Private organisations allegedly using government-like names, designations and national emblems to create a false impression of official affiliation are now under the Gujarat Government’s scanner. The state has launched a campaign to curb such practices and prevent citizens from being misled or financially exploited.

The General Administration Department has instructed government departments, offices and registration authorities across Gujarat to strictly implement the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

The action follows a circular issued by the Central Government’s Department of Consumer Affairs, which flagged instances of private organisations, trusts and commercial firms adopting names resembling government departments. Some have allegedly used replicas of the Ashoka Pillar, Ashoka Chakra and government seals on letterheads, visiting cards, office boards and websites.

Officials said such practices can make ordinary citizens believe they are dealing with a government body, potentially resulting in the loss of money or important documents.

Under the latest instructions, private entities seeking to use terms such as “Bureau”, “Commission”, “Ministry”, “Centre”, “All India”, “National” and “Bharatiya” in their names will require prior written approval from the Central Government.

If permission is granted, such organisations must clearly identify themselves as a “Private Enterprise” and state that they have no connection with the government or any government objective.

“The objective is to prevent misleading names and symbols from creating a false impression of government affiliation,” the instructions stated.

Registration authorities, including the Registrar of Societies, Registrar of Firms and Cooperative Department, have been directed to screen applications carefully and reject names that violate the provisions.

Where there is doubt or a dispute over a proposed name, the matter will be referred to the Central Government, whose decision will be treated as final.

The government circular also emphasised that misuse of national symbols is linked to national pride, and violators will face action under the law.