Gujarat government to crack down on private entities using official-sounding names

The Gujarat government has directed officials to take action against private entities and NGOs that use names, symbols, or designations that imply a connection to the government. This state-wide enforcement campaign is being conducted under the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.

Following directives from the central Department of Consumer Affairs, the General Administration Department has instructed government offices and registration authorities to ensure compliance with the Act. Under these rules, private organizations, trusts, and businesses must obtain prior written permission from the central government to use terms such as ‘Bureau’, ‘Commission’, ‘Ministry’, ‘Centre’, ‘All India’, ‘National’, or ‘Indian’ if their use suggests government patronage or affiliation.

Organizations must also explicitly state that they are private enterprises with no connection to the government or its objectives. The move follows concerns that some private entities use official-sounding names and government symbols on letterheads, visiting cards, and websites, potentially misleading the public into believing they are official bodies.