Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan on Friday inaugurated the Raj Bhawan, which is a long-awaited project, at Tura in West Garo Hills District.
Also present were Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, Tura MP Agatha K Sangma, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, Commissioner of Division Dr Vijay Kumar D and Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani.
Addressing the occasion on virtual mode, Phagu said a dream of the people of Garo hills has come
true with the construction of the Raj Bhavan at Tura.
Lauding the efforts of all concerned in achieving this milestone, the Governor opined that the with the construction of the Raj Bhavan, the development of Garo Hills will move forward at a faster pace.
Citing the examples of heroes like Pa Togan Nemminja Sangma, who sacrificed their lives for the betterment of his people and the country, he appealed to the youth of Garo hills to contribute to the development of the state, so as to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp YatrA’.
The complex, located in the Danakgre area of the Tura town, is built at cost of Rs.24.1 crores and covers an area of 28.45 Acres. The completion of this project is testimony to the government’s efforts towards administrative decentralisation beyond the capital region.
In his speech, Conrad K Sangma said, “This is another long-standing project that our government was able to successfully complete. The Raj Bhavan stands as a symbol of architectural excellence and civic pride, representing the heart of the city’s promising future. It is of great pride that Smt Draupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India, would be residing in this complex during her upcoming visit.”
Envisioned as “Assam type” building, the project was initially conceptualised in 2009 at a cost of Rs. 5.48 crores with an aim to be completed within 3 years. The main building was later redesigned to an earthquake-resistant RCC structure and a spacious banquet hall was added. However, in 2016, unforeseen circumstances necessitated revisions of costs and timelines, leading to delay.
The project was revived by the Chief Minister in 2021. Two new works orders expanding the scope of the project were issued with a cost of Rs.10.98 crores and Rs.7.69 crores.
Post this intervention and with constant monitoring, the project was completed in a span of just 3 years. With its grand inauguration, the project is set to become a focal point for official events and ceremonies in the region.
Besides the inauguration of the Raj Bhavan in Tura, the Chief Minister also emphasised that the government is focused on strengthening administrative infrastructure in all regions of the State.
In Shillong, the plan to move the Secretariat and other government offices to the New Shillong City at Mawdiangdiang is being finalised. An iconic Secretariat Building, residential complexes for the employees and other infrastructure will be built.
In Tura, an Integrated Administrative Complex to bring together all the departments of government and DC Administration is also being conceptualised. Integrated Administrative complex at Jowai has been already been initiated at a cost of Rs 19.83 crores. Improvement of the DC and Block establishments at all the districts and blocks is also underway.
In addition to these, the Government is planning to construct over 700 CM Citizen Service Delivery centres across the State. These centres will serve as one stop shops for all types of service delivery to the citizens. These citizen centres, along with all the new administrative infrastructure, would lead the way to improved service delivery and enhanced governance in the State.