Tale of the two State Bhawan and State House

Ninglun Hanghal *

Manipur Bhavan, Delhi in August 2009 :: Pix - MSAD

Each state in India has a "State Bhawan" and "State House" in the National Capital Delhi and other major metro cities. Manipur too has a Bhawan and House at Sardar Patel Marg and Tikendrajit Marg respectively in Delhi. While St.Marg is meant for boarding and lodging of VVIP and VIPs such as CM , his deputy , cabinet Ministers and high ranking Bureaucrats , the other is supposedly for the remaining and the general public.

These two infrastructures were heavily guarded. When one visits the St Marg's Bhawan , at the gate entrance you are scrutinized – Kaha jana hain , Kaha se aiye ho ? Kisko Milna hain ? Kon sa Room Number ? appointment Liye? Identity Card ?? Fill up the register with full details !! ( 4-5 the security personals would literally mobbed you and their weapons quite visible by now) Sometimes you can get to pass the test , if lucky . But if the Chief Minister and his Deputy are in, then it's a NO NO.

One feels elated, now that you are permitted to get in means you have someone important to meet, those around the courtyard looked at you in admiration (or so it seems)!!

Then to the door – Another scrutiny (if the CM is in Delhi it is compulsory) same language , same tone. Then the next protocol is the Reception. It is rather "unique" to see an old lady or an old gentleman- rather an Aunty or an Uncle would be the right description! Normally in offices , guest houses or mostly in boarding and Lodging places at the reception one sees a pleasant lady , with a smile and a warm welcome ( and of course with a Kajal!! ) in many places a gentleman would be greeting you as well. Here it is amusingly different.

Then it goes as , Ji Madam ? appointment hain ? app se baat hua ? thora der wait karo. If one have a personal contact and appointment then only you are told that that "specific " person is available, otherwise , "wo abhi nahi hain " or " saab meeting gaya hain" is the one and only two response you get . Nobody talked beyond that.

You make yourself comfortable in the waiting lounge ...waiting ..tick! tock!..feeling restless, need Chai for time pass..Peep into the canteen - Kitchen, Bhaiya , kuch mile ga ? ..umm abhi toh lunch ke time hogaya, kuch na hi hain . Oh, Bhaiya Chai to honge ? , ha , Banege ..You managed a cup of tea !!

Suddenly there is security beefed up, all those hanging around the lounge are told to get inside somewhere such as the kitchen. The VVIPs are back from a "meeting" everyone is in "attention mode" there is silence. After about 10 minutes normalcy returns.

Ji, Hallo app keliye phone ? you are about to rush for the much awaited "appointment" then from the back somebody called ...Madam Chai ke paisa ???

Of course there are days when there is no strict security. The functioning though is odd to witnessed. The officers in the Bhawan seem to work only for the CM and his deputy. They do not have telephone numbers of students organizations or a Manipuri who's who in Delhi.

Of course they do not need. Neither student organization nor public are allowed to have a space anyway, nor any communication is required !Those few who work closely with the CM and his deputy are all in all in charge including administration and management of day to day function.

It's a little different at Manipur house at Tikendrajit marg. There is no Boss !! two Manipuri ladies are looking after the house from reception to house-keeping to maintenance under the supervision of the St.Marg Babus.! There is a underground parking space that remained unused . Why ? because four wheelers cannot enter .

And there is a huge transformer located at the back of the House . The space for the transformer was provided with an understanding with the Delhi Municipal for Chanaykya area power supply!!

At least here some of the employees ( the grade IV employees and the two lady ) speaks in Manipur's local dialects.