New Delhi: It took Centre more than four months to provide India's former first citizen a home in the Capital from where he had commanded the country's armed forces for five years and sworn in the current Prime Minister. Ex-President APJ Abdul Kalam has moved to his allotted accommodation at 10 Rajaji Marg on Thursday from the 'High Risk Category Officers' Hut', a simple accommodation provided to him in Delhi Cantonment.
The 75-year-old former President has been staying in the army hut since demitting office on July 25. Kalam, who has Z-Plus security cover, was living in the guest house despite his office making several representations to the Urban Development Ministry for early renovation of the house allotted to him.
However, the work undertaken by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had been moving slowly despite repeated reminders from security agencies that want to install gadgets to protect the former President who faces threats from several militant groups, including Lashker-e-Taiba. The type-VIII duplex bungalow was shortlisted by Kalam in the second week of June so that authorities would have ample time to refurbish it but till October this year metal and wooden frames and debris were being still carried out of the house while its compound swarming with labourers.
According to protocol, a former President has to be provided a house in Delhi if he chooses to reside here.
While no one from the CPWD was willing to come on record for the delay, possibly for the first time, some officials claimed that lot of renovation was needed as the former President had desired for certain changes.
However, when asked as to what changes had been asked, the officials chose to be mum. The type-VIII building is built on a plinth area of 5,000 square feet and is an original Lutyen's bungalow with little additional construction.
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