Lucknow University (LU) has announced that its convocation ceremony for 2026 will be held at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre, located near King George's Medical University in Chowk. This marks a significant shift from previous practices, as the event has traditionally been conducted on the university campus.
Cost Savings and Fiscal Responsibility
LU spokesperson Mukul Srivasatva explained that the university has been spending up to Rs 1 crore on convocation arrangements, including grand marquees, decorations, waterproofing, and other logistics. This year, following the path of fiscal prudence and responsible financial management, the event will take place at the convention centre, which costs only Rs 1 lakh in rental fees. This move will result in substantial direct savings for the university.
Chancellor's Directive
The decision to change the venue was made on the directions of Chancellor and Governor Anandiben Patel, who disapproved of state universities spending large sums on temporary grand stages and special tents for convocation ceremonies. A LU representative stated that the chancellor has always emphasized that state universities should utilize government funds and student corpus money for student welfare and strengthening academic infrastructure, rather than for luxury or ostentation.
Venue Facilities
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scientific Convention Centre offers capacious halls with ample and comfortable seating capacity, making it well-suited for the ceremony. The university will benefit from the existing infrastructure without the need for temporary setups.
Historical Context
LU's first convocation ceremony was held on the grounds of King George's Medical College (now University) on October 30, 1922, when KGMC was part of LU. Since then, the convocation has always taken place on the present campus, either at the Canning College convocation ground or at LU's second campus in Jankipuram. This will be the first time the ceremony is held outside the campus.
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