LUCKNOW, June 1 -- For the first time, the University of Lucknow (LU) has decided to curtail the expenditure on its upcoming convocation ceremony by shifting the event from the campus to the Scientific Convention Centre in Chowk. The convocation is scheduled to be held on July 31. The move comes on the instructions of governor and chancellor Anandiben Patel.

According to a university press release, traditional convocation ceremonies involved expenditure of nearly Rs.1 crore on marquees, decorations, waterproofing arrangements and other logistics. By opting for the convention centre, which costs around Rs.1 lakh to rent, the university claims it has achieved substantial savings.

Describing the move as a "historic and exemplary decision",...