15th anniversary of destruction of heritage Assembly building
SHILLONG: The long delay in the construction of the new Assembly building is an embarrassment for the legislators and the laity alike.
There has been a long 15 years wait for the construction of the new Assembly building in place of the heritage Assembly building which was gutted by a major fire in 2001. The fire obliterated every trace of the heritage building.
The change in Governments brought about a change in selecting the sites namely, Police Bazaar, Mawdiangdiang, Upper Shillong and Tara Ghar, with the State Government now deciding to shift the construction to Mawdiangdiang.
The Shillong Times spoke to few prominent figures of the State on their observation on the delay in the construction.
Paul Lyngdoh, working president of the United Democratic Party, and member of the Opposition Meghalaya People’s Front (MPF) said that it is a matter of embarrassment for the State not to have its own Assembly building.
“If legislators are homeless, then we cannot expect them to take care of the needs of the people,” Lyngdoh said.
Lyngdoh added that the project itself is the victim of political one up-man ship as many years have been wasted in zeroing in on the site.
“It is a merry go round situation where the politicians are wasting time in a political tug of war involving the present Congress Government,” Lyngdoh asserted.
He cited the instance of the Assembly in Manipur that was gutted down in the year 2003 while its construction was completed 6 years back even as he observed that the Meghalaya Government has been indecisive.
He also pointed out that the Speaker needs to make an announcement for a time line for the completion of the project.
Similarly, Nationalist People’s Party (NPP) legislator James Sangma, said that it is a matter of great shame that the construction of the new building failed to take off in time.
“It is embarrassing to face Central Ministers who visit the state, and it is unfortunate that we have to wait for long for the building to come up.”
He, however, hoped that things will materialize soon.
Echoing the views of Paul Lyngdoh, R.G. Lyngdoh, Vice Chancellor, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) said that it is embarrassing for the highest forum to be convened at borrowed spaces.
He viewed that the members should not be too concerned about their facilities but priorities should be made to concentrate on the Assembly hall itself.
“There have been attempts by the State Government to find the right land but after 15 years time, it is time to expedite the work,” Lyngdoh said.
He added, “The present Speaker seems to be anxious, I hope he gets the support.”
Edward Thma, Project Coordinator, North East Educational and Development Society (NEEDS) questioned the hidden agenda behind the delay in constructing the new Assembly building.
He wanted to know whether the delay was due to the problems related to fund constraints or some pressure from internal or external forces.