Maharashtra to Seek Renaming IIT Bombay as IIT Mumbai; Fadnavis says will write to PM Modi

During his recent Union minister, Jitendra Singh said "thank God, IIT Bombay’s name still remains."

Maharashtra government will formally request Centre to rename Indian Institute of Technology Bombay as Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai. State Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made the statement which has reignited a long-running debate over institute’s name and city’s identity.

The move comes after recent remarks by Union minister Jitendra Singh during an event at IIT Bombay, where he quipped that “thank God, IIT Bombay’s name still remains,” sparking criticism from Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and others who said such comments undermine Mumbai’s official name and Marathi pride.

Fadnavis, speaking in Nagpur, said city was officially renamed Mumbai nearly three decades ago and institutions located here should reflect that change. He added that the traces of “Bombay” in public nomenclature must gradually be removed to honour cultural sentiment and the state’s decision taken in 1995.

Fadnavis said that his government will write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union education ministry demanding formal name change.

CM's statement has triggered renewed political momentum, decision ultimately rests with Centre, since IITs are national institutes governed under central legislation. Any alteration would require administrative approval and updates across academic, legal and international records.