Maharashtra govt inches closer to acquiring Ambedkar's London house

NAGPUR: The three-storey house where Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar once lived in London will be acquired shortly by the Maharashtra government and processes for the same are in the final stages, Minister for Social Justice, Rajkumar Badole said here.

The two surveyors appointed for valuation of the 2,050 sq ft property in London through the Indian High Commission there have cited different prices. While one surveyor quoted the price at Rs 29 crores the other put it as Rs 21 crores," Badole said last night.

Since Maharashtra government has made a budgetary provision of Rs 40 crores for the procurement of the historic monument in London, there will be no difficulty in the process, Badole said.

Also, the state government will set up a committee with the Indian High Commissioner in London for renovation of the house and for its maintenance in the future, Badole, who had personally visited London to expedite the acquirement process, he said.

An MoU will also be signed after taking possession of the house. The entire process may be completed within 15-20 days, the minister hoped.

Meanwhile, Social Justice Ministry will be distributing Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe, Shahu, Phuley, Ambedkar, Karamveer Dadasaheb Gaikwad and Sant Ravidas prizes to individuals and institutes engaged in social work on August 9 in the city.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadanvis, Union Minister for Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari and State Energy Minister Chandra Shekhar Bawankule, who is also District Guardian Minister and Badole himself will be present on the occasion of the prize distribution.