Did the MP government really approve Rs 12.16 crore for the 2nd phase of 'Ambedkar Dham' in Gwalior?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Madhya Pradesh government has approved Rs 12.16 crore for the Ambedkar Dham's second phase.
- Ambedkar Dham aims to be a center for education and social unity.
- Facilities include a library, museum, and auditorium.
- The project underscores the government's commitment to honoring Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- Construction is set to begin in July.
Gwalior, June 30 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government of Madhya Pradesh has approved a budget of Rs 12.16 crore for the second phase of the Ambedkar Dham memorial in Gwalior, as reported by party insiders to IANS on Monday.
This memorial, known as 'Ambedkar Dham', is being developed as a significant hub for education, inspiration, and social unity, located in Jaurasi village, under the Dabra tehsil of Gwalior district.
The infrastructure at Ambedkar Dham will feature a digital library, a museum, an auditorium, and a conference hall, along with a large-sized library, according to a prior statement from the Madhya Pradesh government.
The initial phase of the construction, which received an allocation of Rs 8 crore, is currently in progress.
This marks the second memorial dedicated to Ambedkar in Madhya Pradesh, with the first located at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore.
A proposal for the Rs 12 crore allocation for the second phase was put forth by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in November of the previous year.
In a letter to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav dated November 26, 2024, Minister Scindia pointed out that the delay in fund allocation had hindered the second phase of the memorial's construction.
A notification released on June 28 confirmed that the state government has approved a total of Rs 12,16,46,000 for the second phase construction of 'Ambedkar Dham'.
During his visit to Gwalior on June 28, CM Yadav conducted an inspection and announced that the second phase of construction will commence by the first week of July.
CM Yadav emphasized during his visit that both the Central and state governments are committed to honoring Ambedkar's legacy.
A grand memorial has already been established in Mhow, where an annual Ambedkar Kumbh is celebrated on his birth anniversary.
While at the construction site, CM Yadav criticized the Congress party, alleging that when Ambedkar's remains were transported to Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, his wife had to cover all expenses.
He stated, 'The Congress didn't allocate land in New Delhi for Ambedkar's last rites; instead, they charged his wife for the air fare to Mumbai.'
This announcement comes amid ongoing political tensions between the Congress and BJP regarding the installation of Ambedkar's statue at the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.