By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 18: The Gate No. 1 of the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), which cost more than Rs 1 crore, is expected to be inaugurated soon following the formal handover by the contractor’s son.
A source told The Shillong Times on Wednesday that the university has assured it will clear the pending dues based on the original estimated cost of the project, which was approved during the 2018-2019 financial year.
The total estimated cost of the project included Rs 64 lakh for construction work and Rs 8 lakh for electrical work. So far, NEHU has paid about Rs 22 lakh to the contractor.
“NEHU has now given a written assurance that it will release the remaining funds as per the original estimate. This commitment has persuaded the contractor’s son to agree to the request for handing over the gate,” a source stated.
However, an additional claim of Rs 40 lakh has been submitted by the contractor’s son. This claim was for cost escalation and additional work beyond the original scope of work.
The university reportedly informed the contractor that the supplementary bill will be reviewed by the building committee.
The committee will assess whether the extra amount is justified, based on the actual work done and delays in project completion. Only after its approval, the university will be in a position to submit a proposal for additional funding to cover the extra costs.
It is worth noting that the original contractor passed away, and his son refused to hand over the completed gate until full payment was made.
A visiting team from the Education Ministry, which visited NEHU recently, assured that Rs 1 crore would be allocated for the project.