Uncertainty hangs over Capital Project
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05 2011: There is uncertainty over whether or not the current bunch of MLAs would be able to sit the last session of the ongoing 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly in the new Assembly building being constructed as part of the larger Capital project at Chingmeirong.

Though the Government has been trying its level best to ensure completion of the new Assembly House in time for the winter session, the progress of the work has been interrupted every now and then from want of construction materials to be brought in from outside the State following frequent imposition of economic blockades along the National Highways and other agitations.

Apart from other Central leaders, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Works Minister and other MLAs have been paying frequent visits to take stock of the progress of the construction work.

It is said that 80 percent of the construction work has been completed so far leaving the beautification part.

But transportation of necessary materials required for beautification works remain hampered on account of the ongoing agitation over Sadar Hills district demand.

Construction work on the Capital Project which would comprise Assembly House, Assembly Secretariat and High Court started from October 2004 along with Central Government sanctioning an amount of Rs 317 crores.

Soon after laying of the foundation stones, construction work had remained stalled for around two years following restrictions and threats from some UG groups.

The construction work has also been delayed on account of economic blockades, bandhs, general strikes and other social unrest that the State witnessed from time to time.

According to an official source, along with the delay, the cost of the project has also increased more than double the original estimate.

Taking into consideration all these factors, the Public Works Department has already written to the Central Government for revising the project cost around three months back.

The monsoon session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly was convened from August 24 to 29 and only winter session is left now before the term of current State Assembly expires.

As per rule, the winter session of the Assembly is to be convened either in October, November or December at the recommendation of the Cabinet.

But there is uncertainty over completion of the Assembly complex in time for the winter session despite the target announced by the Chief Minister earlier to complete Assembly complex by November or beginning of December.

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