Maha govt gets Rs 9 cr for development of Deekshabhoomi

Dr Ambedkar Foundation, an autonomous body under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has sanctioned over Rs 9 crore to Maharashtra government for development of Deekshabhoomi at Nagpur, where Babasaheb B R Ambedkar embraced Buddhism.
The Centre is currently commemorating Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary year.
"Sanction of the competent authority is accorded for incurring an expenditure of Rs 9,41,39,276 for the repair work of Deekshabhoomi at Nagpur where B R Ambedkar converted to Buddhism along with his followers on October 14, 1956.
"Fifty per cent of the sanctioned amount Rs 4,70,69,638 is released to the Nagpur District Collector for the development activities at Deekshabhoomi in connection with the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar. The remaining amount will be considered for release based on the progress of the work," read the sanction order.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who wants to put Deekshabhoomi on the global tourist map, has asked the Nagpur Improvement Trust to develop a master plan for Deekshabhoomi.
Deekshabhoomi is a sacred monument and is regarded as a Buddhist place of pilgrimage. The biggest stupa in Asia has been erected in the memory of Ambedkar, regarded as the architect of the Indian Constitution, at this place.