Mumbai University imposed a penalty of at least Rs 10 lakh on its printing contractor on June 27 for a glaring spelling error that printed `Mumabai` instead of `Mumbai` on convocation certificates. The blunder affected the 2023–24 graduating batch, prompting a university-wide recall and reissuance of the faulty certificates through affiliated colleges.
The mistake first came to light in January 2024, shortly after the convocation ceremony, held on January 7. While the Hyderabad-based contractor was penalised following an internal inquiry, members of the university`s Management Council (MC) have raised serious concerns about the lack of accountability within the university administration itself.
The MC, after reviewing the committee’s report on the matter, decided to impose a fine—either 20 per cent of the contract value or Rs 10 lakh, whichever is higher—on the contractor. However, Sheetal Devrukhkar-Sheth, a Yuva Sena representative and MC member, has questioned why the entire blame is being placed on the contractor when university officials were also at fault.
Sheetal Devrukhkar-Sheth, a Yuva Sena representative and Management Council member
Speaking to mid-day.com, Sheth said, “The Mumbai University administration is equally responsible for this error. The convocation certificates were not proofread by the university before being dispatched to colleges. That’s why over 1.64 lakh certificates bearing the misspelt name `Mumabai University` were distributed to students.”
Sheth further claimed that the university officials have refused to share the internal report with the MC, even after reading it aloud in a recent meeting. “We asked the Mumbai University authorities to give us the report so we can examine it further in the next MC meeting, but they denied the request,” said Sheth. “If the university doesn’t trust its own Management Council, what is the point of having one?”
The MC has issued a dissent note protesting the mishandling of the issue and demanding full transparency. On Wednesday, the university administration told the MC it would provide a formal clarification only after receiving the minutes of the meeting—something the council found unacceptable.
“This lack of response is an insult to the Management Council,” Sheth said, adding, “Is the university trying to shield someone within the administration who is responsible for this blunder?”
The fallout from the error has had real-world consequences for students. Many from the 2023–24 batch are yet to receive the corrected certificates. “Students who were applying for jobs or planning to go abroad have suffered delays and losses because of this. Who will be held accountable?” Sheth questioned. “This not only affects the students’ futures but also damages the reputation of Mumbai University. How does the university plan to make up for this loss?”
