Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, was cremated with full state honors at Delhi's Nigambodh Ghat on December 28. His death marked the end of an era for a leader celebrated as the architect of India's economic liberalization. The government's decision to allocate land for his memorial underscores the nation's intent to honor his legacy appropriately.
According to government officials, the establishment of a trust is a prerequisite for land allocation for such memorials. This protocol was similarly followed in the case of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose memorial land was allotted to the Atal Samiti Nyas, a trust registered more than a month after his demise in 2018. Currently, preliminary assessments are underway to identify suitable land parcels near Rajghat for Singh's memorial. However, the formal allocation will proceed only after the requisite trust is registered and submits an application for the land.
The delay has sparked discussions within political circles and the public. Some Congress party members have expressed concerns over the time required to establish the trust and commence the memorial's construction. A Congress source mentioned that there are no fresh updates on the memorial's progress, indicating a wait for the procedural formalities to conclude.
In response to these concerns, government officials have reiterated that the process is standard protocol. They emphasize that the formation of a trust ensures proper management and maintenance of the memorial, aligning with precedents set by previous memorial projects. The government has assured that it is committed to honoring Singh's legacy and that the necessary steps are being taken to expedite the process within the established guidelines.
The memorial's location near Rajghat holds significant symbolic value, as it is the final resting place of several of India's prominent leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi. The area is a site of national importance, and the inclusion of Singh's memorial would place him among the nation's most revered figures. The proposed memorial is expected to span approximately 1 to 1.5 acres, consistent with the size of previous memorials in the vicinity.
Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by significant economic reforms and policy decisions that have had a lasting impact on India's development trajectory. His contributions to the nation's economic landscape have been widely acknowledged, both domestically and internationally. The proposed memorial aims to commemorate his service and dedication to the country.