This story is from December 30, 2024
Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, Kisan Ghat on list of spots for former PM Manmohan Singh's memorial
NEW DELHI: The sites being considered for former PM Manmohan Singh's memorial include the area near Kisan Ghat, the memorial of former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh, and Rashtriya Smriti Sthal which is the designated spot for the last rites of presidents, vice-presidents and PMs. Both sites are close to the Yamuna and a decision is expected in the next few days.
In an interview to a private TV channel, Union minister Hardeep Puri said Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the final resting place of four ex-presidents and three former PMs, has space for two more. "But the request from Congress suggested they wanted more, and that request was accepted," he said. This indicated that govt may be considering allocating a bigger space for the former PM's memorial.
Read also: Former PM cremated on a bitterly Cold, gloomy day, amid chilly vibes over memorial row
Sources said going by the norms, Manmohan Singh's memorial could be built at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, though allocation of space will be a political decision.
The earmarked area near Ekta Sthal was developed as the designated spot for last rites and memorials of presidents, vice-presidents and PMs. This was done following concerns over shrinking land resources in the capital.
Though govt had decided not to create more memorials in 2000, it took 13 years to earmark a single place for such personalities. Before that, separate memorials were created for national representatives including Raj Ghat, Shanti Van, Shakti Sthal, Veer Bhumi, Ekta Sthal, Samta Sthal and Kisan Ghat which occupied over 245 acres of prime land. Construction of Smriti Sthal was completed in 2015 and former PM P V Narasimha Rao was the first to get a 'samadhi' here, even though his family had to wait for 10 years.
The Rs 40-crore project was designed for streamlining the maintenance of samadhis and cut down expenses.
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In an interview to a private TV channel, Union minister Hardeep Puri said Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, the final resting place of four ex-presidents and three former PMs, has space for two more. "But the request from Congress suggested they wanted more, and that request was accepted," he said. This indicated that govt may be considering allocating a bigger space for the former PM's memorial.
Read also: Former PM cremated on a bitterly Cold, gloomy day, amid chilly vibes over memorial row
In 2000, Centre decided not to create any more memorials
At present, there are 18 memorials in and around the Raj Ghat complex, which includes those of former presidents, PMs and deputy PMs. The two exceptions are Sanjay Gandhi and Lalita Shastri, late wife of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri.Sources said going by the norms, Manmohan Singh's memorial could be built at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, though allocation of space will be a political decision.
The earmarked area near Ekta Sthal was developed as the designated spot for last rites and memorials of presidents, vice-presidents and PMs. This was done following concerns over shrinking land resources in the capital.
Though govt had decided not to create more memorials in 2000, it took 13 years to earmark a single place for such personalities. Before that, separate memorials were created for national representatives including Raj Ghat, Shanti Van, Shakti Sthal, Veer Bhumi, Ekta Sthal, Samta Sthal and Kisan Ghat which occupied over 245 acres of prime land. Construction of Smriti Sthal was completed in 2015 and former PM P V Narasimha Rao was the first to get a 'samadhi' here, even though his family had to wait for 10 years.
The Rs 40-crore project was designed for streamlining the maintenance of samadhis and cut down expenses.
Select The Times of India as your preferred source on Google Search
Top Comment
K
Krishnan
295 days ago
An erudite economist who could have asserted and tool the nation forward was a captive in the hands of a corrupt italian family and this scholar has no qualms in licking the boot for power. Tell me honestly does he deserve a memorial when the corruption during his regime stands as a monument for ever.Read allPost comment
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