The Gujarat government has tightened rules on the names used by private organisations, trusts, companies and business firms. Private entities will now require prior permission to use words such as ‘All India’, ‘National’, ‘Indian’, ‘Ministry’, ‘Bureau’, ‘Commission’ and ‘Centre’ in their names.
The General Administration Department (GAD) has directed concerned departments to ensure that the instructions are implemented while registering such organisations.
Private status must be clearly mentioned
According to the GAD order, even if permission is granted to use any of the restricted words, the organisation will have to clearly state alongside its name that it is a private entity and has no connection with the government or any government purpose.
The move follows concerns that some private organisations, trusts and firms use names and symbols that make them appear to be government bodies. In some cases, private entities have allegedly used images resembling the Ashoka Pillar, Ashoka Chakra or government emblems on letterheads, visiting cards, office boards and websites.
Officials said such practices can mislead citizens, who may mistake private organisations for government departments and hand over money or important documents.
Registration offices told to reject such applications
The authorities have instructed offices responsible for registering companies, societies, firms and trademarks to carefully scrutinise applications containing such names or symbols.
The Registrar of Societies, Registrar of Firms and Cooperative Department have also been asked to ensure that such applications are checked at the registration stage itself and rejected where the required approval is not available.
Words restricted without prior approval
The words listed under the instructions include:
- All India
- National
- Indian
- Ministry
- Bureau
- Commission
- Centre