Centre issues clarification on allocating Kalam’s bungalow to Minister Sharma

The Centre on Wednesday issued a clarification with regard to the allocation of former president A.P.J.Abdul Kalam’s 10, Rajaji Marg residence in New Delhi to Minister of Culture and Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma.

In a statement, the Centre clarified that as of October 18, 2014, it had imposed a total ban on conversion of government bungalows into memorials for departed leaders.

It cited a Supreme Court judgment of July 5, 2013, wherein the apex court ruled that no government bungalow be converted into memorial.

The Centre further stated that former president Kalam’s executive assistant had informed the Ministry of Urban Development that the said bungalow would be vacated by October 31, 2015.

It also said that the government has already decided to build a memorial for Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, his birthplace.

It said that No.10, Rajaji Marg has been allotted to Dr. Mahesh Sharma under Rule 3 of the Minister’s Residence Rules, 1962, which says “Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State shall be allotted Type VIII accommodation subject to availability and in that order”.

It further stated that only Dr. Mahesh Sharma was waiting for official accommodation and accordingly, the said bungalow was allotted to him on vacation basis. (ANI)