Eyebrows raised as govt plans to sell Ludhiana civil surgeon’s office

A wave of political and public discontent rippled on Tuesday after reports surfaced that the state government is planning to sell the century-old Civil Surgeon’s office here. The building, which dates back to the British era, was a guest house then, which was later converted into the Civil Surgeon’s office.

Sources within the Health Department confirmed that a letter had been received, instructing officials to vacate the premises, sparking condemnation from opposition leaders and civil society.

Senior Congress leader Ishvarjot Singh Cheema led the charge, calling the move “a betrayal of Punjab’s people and history.” In a strongly worded statement, Cheema declared that the Civil Surgeon’s Office is not only a government building but also a symbol of public service and collective memory.

“It is a century-old symbol of public service, where generations of Punjabis have come for health and administrative needs,” said Cheema.

“Selling it is like selling the soul of the state. I will not let the government loot and auction people’s property,” he said.

He warned that any attempt to privatise public heritage would face fierce resistance.

“Every government in history that tried to sell off public property could not survive. No government that betrays its people’s trust remains stable — and this government will be no exception,” he said.

“The Civil Surgeon’s Office is a people’s heritage, not government’s property to sell. It is the rich heritage of Ludhiana, a slice of history and should be protected at every cost,” said Ravinder Singh, a senior citizen from the Civil Lines.

Earlier, Daak Bangla, built by the Britishers on the same road, was demolished and now, it seems to be the turn of Civil Surgeon’s office. It should be protected at every cost, he said.

Madan Lal Bagga, MLA, North, who recently got an UPHC open at the Civil Surgeon’s office, said he came to know about the same and would intervene in the matter and won’t let the office get sold off,” he said.