Imphal, December 18: A new three storeyed annexe will be built at the agitation ravaged Manipur State Assembly complex, foundation stone of which was laid today by the Speaker TN Haokip.

In another instance today, Sericulture and Art and Culture Minister Dr M Nara laid the foundation stone for the main office building of the Sericulture Project at the Project Management Complex, Sangaipat.

The Assembly annexe will have separate storeys for vehicle parking/garage and quarters for security personnel.

The structure likely to cost around Rs 2 crores will be constructed phase wise in three phases.

With the refurbished main Assembly building crammed and congested the new structure around the main-building is being built to ease the suffocating condition and will be completed within one year.

The new structure will also ease the inconveniences faced by the Assembly employees in discharging their duties effectively as the present structure is too congested.

Mention may be made that during the ceasefire agitation on June 18 last year, major portions of the State Assembly was razed to the ground.

Speaking on the occasion, TN Haokip said construction of the building is of utmost necessity to accommodate scattered employees and to smoothen working conditions.

He exuded confidence that Public Works Department (PWD), on whom the task of constructing the ANNEXE building has been entrusted, will complete the work within the stipulated period and provide relief to the assembly secretariat staffs.

Referring to new and long lasting assembly complex built in recent times in most North East Region States, the Speaker highlighted to the Works Minister Gaikhangam on need of similar construction in the State.

In his address, Gaikhangam appealed to the people to abstain from destroying Government buildings and public properties during agitations as funds meant for development purpose will have to be diverted in reconstruction of the destroyed ones.

MoS (Family Welfare) Bijoy Koijam, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Saichhuana, officials of PWD, and officials and staffs of Assembly Secretariat were also present on the occasion.

At the function for the Sericulture project building, Dr Nara describing it as his dream project and appealed to the people to ensure smooth and speedy completion so that all can reap the fruit of the Japan funded scheme.

Financial aid to the Manipur Sericulture Project is provided by Japan's JBIC.

The Minister seeking people's cooperation said peace and harmony, which is an essential criterion of development, Can elevate the State from its present morass.

Sangaipat should be a symbol of peace and development, he said adding that priority will be given for its successful completion and implementation of all related activities to augment the financial aspect of Manipur.

He further pledged to make Sangaipat as a significant model place comparable to the image of Kangla.

Making special mention of Sericulture Secretary Dr Rajeshkumar, the Minister said working with the young and dedicated officer greatly enhances guarantee that the project works will be successful and provide ample scope to commoners for earning their livelihood besides contributing the State exchequer.

MoS (Family Welfare) DK Korungthang, in his presidential speech asked for people's cooperation without which no projects or schemes can be implemented successfully.

Dr Rajeshkumar pledged to expedite completion of construction of the main office building.

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