Delhi govt approves proposal to set up memorial on APJ Abdul Kalam at Dilli Haat

New Delhi: The proposal to set up a memorial on former President APJ Abdul Kalam's life and belongings at Dilli Haat was approved by the Delhi government on Wednesday.

The decision taken by the Arvind Kejriwal cabinet comes months after the Aam Aadmi Party criticised the BJP for allocating Kalam's official residence at 10, Rajaji Marg to Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.

"It has been decided that the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) will be assigned the work of setting-up this memorial on deposit work basis and its further operation," an official statement said.

Earlier in April, Delhi Culture Minister Kapil Mishra had visited Rameswaram, the former President's birth place, to bring back his belongings to the city, which were sent there by the Centre after his death in July last year.

Mishra's department will be the nodal authority for implementing the project and which will be provided "adequate funds" by the Delhi Government's Finance department.

"It may be recalled that A.P.J. Mohamed Muthu Meeran Lebbal Maraikayar, the elder brother of the former President in his letter addressed to the Chief Minister had requested for setting up a 'Kalam National Centre for Knowledge Discovery' in New Delhi," the statement added.