Tie Ambedkar’s 1931 Khanpur visit to new public center, demands activist

By A Representative 

A Dalit rights activist, Kantilal Ukabhai Parmar, has submitted a representation to the Municipal Commissioner and Mayor of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation demanding a comprehensive official investigation into the land and property of the historic Municipal School No. 6 in Khanpur, Shahpur area of Ahmedabad. Parmar has also urged that if the land is found to be under AMC ownership or can be lawfully acquired by the corporation, a Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan be constructed on the site for public benefit.

The demand is rooted in the deep historical connection between Khanpur and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. According to publicly available historical records, Dr. Ambedkar visited Ahmedabad on June 28, 1931, during which he toured a hostel for Dalits in Khanpur. His visit and views sparked significant socio-political debate and opposition in the city at the time. Activists argue that this historical link makes Khanpur a fitting location for an educational and social center dedicated to his legacy.

Parmar's representation states that Municipal School No. 6 once functioned in Khanpur, with educational activities reportedly conducted there from approximately 1939 to 1954. The applicant has identified the location as Survey No. 4141, covering an area of roughly 1,500 square yards. However, he emphasizes that final confirmation of these details must come through official government and municipal records. 

Notably, the representation highlights a contradiction: while the Municipal School Board has allegedly claimed that no school existed at the site, the applicant possesses historical references indicating otherwise. 

To resolve this discrepancy, Parmar has called for scrutiny of multiple official documents, including old municipal school registers, admission and attendance records, historical educational reports, resolutions of the Municipal School Board, property cards and city survey records, land ownership documents, old maps and property records, and building construction or approval documents related to the school.

The applicant has also raised concerns about the current condition of the property. According to his findings, the original school building is presently shut and unused, while small rooms have been constructed in the surrounding area. Parmar has demanded an inquiry into whether these structures were built with municipal approval, whether the land has been leased or rented out, and whether any individual or organization has been given lawful possession.

If the investigation confirms that the land is government or municipal property, the primary demand is to take lawful possession and allocate it for the construction of a Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan. The proposed facility would not merely serve as a memorial but as an active center for education, social awareness, research, culture, and public use. 

The proposed amenities include a public library, a study center, a guidance center for students, facilities for competitive exam preparation, social awareness programs, a venue for public meetings and discussions, cultural activities, and sports facilities for youth and children.

Parmar has requested that AMC allocate the necessary funds for the building from its municipal budget. In the event that AMC lacks sufficient financial provisions, he has urged the corporation to submit a proposal to the state government to secure a grant under an appropriate urban development scheme.

Emphasizing the documented historical connection between Dr. Ambedkar and Khanpur, the activist has called for a transparent, impartial, and document-based investigation. He insists that if the claims regarding the historic school and land are verified through official records, developing the site as a center for education and social awakening would serve as a fitting tribute to the area's heritage.

The key demands include an immediate site inspection of Survey No. 4141, a complete investigation into land ownership and possession, public disclosure of all old records related to Municipal School No. 6, official verification of the school's existence between 1939 and 1954, scrutiny of the legality of current constructions on the land, disclosure of any lease, rent, or possession documents, allocation of land for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Bhavan if under AMC ownership, budgetary allocation by AMC for construction, exploration of state government grants if needed, and written communication of the official report and decision to the applicant upon completion of the inquiry. 

Parmar has appealed to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to act swiftly to protect public property and historical heritage through a fair and transparent process.