Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday expressed concern over delay in construction of Paika Rebellion Memorial in Odisha despite sanction of funds from the Central government.
During a visit to Barunei hill in Khurda district, where the memorial is proposed to be set up, the minister held a discussion on the project with officials of the district administration.
Speaking to media after the meeting, Pradhan said the project was initiated in 2017 when then Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made a provision in the Budget for the memorial. According national recognition to the fight of brave warriors (Paikas) of Odisha against the British rule, 200 years of Paika Rebellion in Odisha was celebrated in New Delhi on July 20.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi released coins and postal stamps in memory of the Odia warriors on the foothill of Barunei on December 14, 2018. Former President Ramnath Kovind also laid foundation stone for the memorial on December 8, 2019. “It is unfortunate that despite the Centre’s initiatives, the state government is yet to take any step for the Paika Memorial,” he added.
Stating that it is not an industrial or railway project, Pradhan said it is a symbol of pride of all Odias. “The Ministry of Culture is ready to accept all conditions of the state government like providing fund for translocation of trees. I urge the government to start the work of the memorial without further delay,” the Minister said.
