DSS activists arguing with Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy over the delay in the completion of Ambedkar Bhavan, in the city on Friday.
| Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram
Hundreds of activists and members of Dalit Sangharsh Samithi staged a demonstration here on Friday condemning the undue delay in the completion of B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan in the city.
The activists assembled near the Ambedkar statue at Town Hall where the official function of the district administration marking the 68th Mahaparinirvana Diwas of B.R. Ambedkar, was scheduled to take place.
The DSS activists questioned Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy and other officials who reached the spot for the event and said that the delay in the completion of the work was inexplicable.
The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2012, the works commenced at a snail’s pace and two years ago additional funds were released by the government with the promise that the “remaining work would be completed within two months”. But the project, off the Devaraj Urs Road, remains incomplete.
The DSS activists raised slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and District in charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, though the officials tried to placate the agitated activists, they remained adamant.
The DSS office bearers sought a written assurance that the pending work would be completed within a definite time frame. Bettaiah Kote, DSS district convenor said vested interest groups were delaying the completion of the project whose construction cost has increased due to delay.
A memorandum was submitted to the deputy commissioner who said that an additional fund of ₹27 crore was required for the pending works as design modification has been proposed and was being incorporated. A DPR has been submitted and the tender would be invited in due course, the deputy commissioner assured the DSS activists.
As a result of the protest the function to offer tributes to B.R. Ambedkar was delayed for sometime.
Published – December 06, 2024 08:34 pm IST