The Maharashtra government has approved Rs 41.21 crore for rebuilding Siddharth Vihar Hostel in Wadala, nearly 11 years after its demolition left the institution awaiting redevelopment. Established by Dr BR Ambedkar to support educational opportunities for Dalit students, the hostel is now set to move towards reconstruction following years of administrative and financial delays.
The three-storey facility, associated with Dr Ambedkar College, was managed by the People’s Education Society (PES), a trust founded by Ambedkar to promote education among Dalit communities. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation declared the building dangerous in 1987, after which admissions were discontinued. Unable to fund repairs, the trust eventually saw the structure demolished in February 2015. Outstanding municipal dues had also reached Rs 23 lakh.
The hostel once accommodated 147 rooms and housed noted poet Namdeo Dhasal, founder of the Dalit Panthers, during his student years. Several other Dalit leaders, including Union minister Ramdas Athawale, were associated with the political movement.
Architect Shashi Prabhu’s redevelopment proposal estimated the reconstruction cost at Rs 78 crore. However, the project remained stalled because the necessary funding and approvals were not secured. The latest government order has cleared Rs 41.21 crore, allowing the PES to begin preparations for the next stage, including tendering.
“While granting final sanction, the state social justice and special assistance department relaxed a few conditions to speed up the work,” said a senior official from the department. “In-principle approval was given on the condition that it would require prior approval from the state finance department. But the final sanction was granted after the chief minister’s go-ahead,” the official added.
However, PES executive member Ashish Gade said the allocation would not cover the full cost. “To complete the hostel building, we need at least Rs 80 crore; Rs 41 crore is not sufficient. The state government will have to revise the proposal,” said Gade.
PES chairperson Anandraj Ambedkar acknowledged the shortfall but said, “We want the project to get started and hence accepted Rs 41.21 crore allocation.” On the delays, he added, “Better late than never.”
The project received in-principle approval in March 2024, followed by a government resolution in October that year. The PES must obtain architectural approval for the building plan before the funds are released. The reconstruction falls under a scheme supporting sites linked to Ambedkar’s life and places of historical and cultural significance to Scheduled Castes and Neo-Buddhist communities.
Source: Hindustan Times
