From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Dec 15: The perennial problem of temporary accommodation for people from Meghalaya in the national capital is likely to be eased with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday laying the foundation stone of the Meghalaya House Annexe within the sprawling old Meghalaya House complex.
Laying the foundation stone, the Chief Minister said Meghalaya House in central Delhi must primarily serve the people of the state by ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for visitors and officials alike.
He noted that the addition of 24 new rooms would cater to the growing number of people from the state visiting Delhi for official meetings, interviews, examinations, medical purposes and other engagements.
Sangma directed the officials to ensure that the new building is constructed with the highest standards of quality, keeping in mind modern amenities and facilities. “We are hopeful that we will have very good infrastructure with proper service,” he said.
The Rs 32.72-crore annexe will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will comprise 24 guest rooms along with a meeting hall. The annexe will come up within the premises of the existing old Meghalaya House complex, originally built in 1971, spread over a 1.99-acre plot. Each building will be four storied (Stilt + 3 floors) and the stilt floor will be used for parking and other services.
The Chief Minister remarked that Meghalaya House should become the first choice for residents of the state while staying in the national capital. “Once completed, the 24 guest rooms (with a total of 48 beds) will significantly enhance our capacity to accommodate visitors from Meghalaya. I look forward to the timely completion of the project,” he added.
Emphasising the importance of cultural representation, the Chief Minister stated that the building should be iconic and reflect the culture and traditions of the people of Meghalaya. He stressed that the public spaces created must be oriented towards serving the people of the state in the best possible manner.
Highlighting the role of human values alongside infrastructure, he urged the staff to focus on warmth and hospitality. “The human touch is equally important with a smile, a warm welcome to someone visiting Delhi for the first time from Meghalaya can make all the difference during their stay at Meghalaya House,” he said.
The two existing Meghalaya Houses (one in central Delhi and the other in Vasant Vihar) provide vital services but often struggle to meet overwhelming demand, leading to compromises on space and amenities.
The construction of the Meghalaya House Annexe is expected to significantly strengthen the state’s presence in the national capital and improve facilities for visitors from the state.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and General Administration Department (GAD) Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, among others.
