Udupi: Ambedkar Bhavan lies in dismal state, a victim of government apathy
Harshini B.
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi(HB)
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Udupi, Jan 9: Numerous national leaders and different local parties paid tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his 58th ‘Mahaparinirvana Diwas’ on Saturday December 6. These days, most celebrations and death anniversaries are only limited to a day without any meaning or commitment; they have turned into a means of garnering some publicity and nothing more.
B R Ambedkar Bhavan, located in Adi Udupi, close to the state highway, is a dozen years old and was established in 2002. The accountability of the building is with the Social Welfare
Department (SWD) and it was built at a cost of Rs 60 lac.
At one glance, the premises look unclean and give a bad impression to the public. The auditorium complex is covered on three sides by compound walls, but there is no gate. The building has a watchman and the area is run over by weeds, prickly bushes, plastic, and bottles. The roof is in a bad condition due to poor maintenance. The colour on the wall has faded.
There is a scrap shop nearby and many small huts are located on the premises. The land is approximately 40 cents. Members of the DSS said that the land falls under the panchayat as well as the CMC.
Dalith Sangharsha Committee district convener Jayan Malpe said that the government offers some amount for the development of the organization. He opined that the actual problem is not funds, but scarcity of staff and lack of will power. “Most of the government buildings are insecure and are unclean. There are two permanent staff members in the SWD and others are working on a contract basis. The deputation rule became a bane for the government officials and has led to failure in efficiency,” added Malpe.
According to Ramesh Kotian, the committee members had urged that the surroundings be kept clean and appealed for clearance of the scrap store since five years, but the officials showed little interest and importance. Before that there was a liquor shop and later, a garage.
At a time when the whole of India is pursuing the Swachch Bharath Abhiyan, the message has not reached the root level officials and public. On the other side, if the locals show some awareness about health and cleanliness, there will be progress.