Caught in red tape, Ambedkar's statue awaits unveiling in Palampur

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, January 17

A bronze statue of Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar in Palampur is waiting to be unveiled since September, thanks to red tape. The nine-feet-high statue in front of the SDM’s office is lying covered for the past four months.

The statue was completed in September last year. However, the district administration failed to get an appointment with Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur to unveil it.

Meanwhile, Ambedkar’s followers are fuming as they have not been able to garland the statue on different occasions. They allege that the administration does not value their sentiments.

HR Nur, state president of Dr BR Ambedkar Swabhiman Manch, has urged the Chief Minister to intervene and unveil the statue. “The government should respect the sentiments of people of Palampur, who have made earnest efforts for the installation of the statue,” he says.

Palampur SDM Amit Guleria says that the administration has sought an appointment with the Chief Minister and as soon as the CM’s office gives clearance, the statue will be unveiled.

CM was to inaugurate

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had assured of unveiling the statue during the winter sojourn at Dharamsala but was postponed because the PWD could not complete the work. — HR Nur, president of Dr BR Ambedkar Swabhiman Manch

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