Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the slow progress of work at the under-construction Meghalaya Legislative Assembly complex in Mawkasiang, New Shillong Township, warning that the contract could be cancelled if the delays and shortcomings continue.
The Chief Minister made the remarks after inspecting the project site and attending a brief review meeting that lasted less than 10 minutes. During the meeting, Sangma reportedly reprimanded those associated with the project over the pace and quality of the interior work in the Assembly’s main hall.
According to sources, the interior works contract had been awarded to a local contractor, who is believed to have further subcontracted the work to a New Delhi-based firm. The multiple layers of subcontracting are said to have contributed to delays in the execution of the project.
Following the meeting, a visibly upset Sangma was heard warning the contractor that the delays were damaging the government’s credibility. He cautioned that the work order could be cancelled if the situation did not improve.
Although the Chief Minister’s Office has not issued an official statement on the meeting, the incident has once again brought attention to the prolonged delays surrounding the prestigious project.
The Assembly complex has faced scrutiny in the past as well. In May 2022, the iconic dome of the under-construction building collapsed, raising serious concerns over construction quality and prompting the government to order an inquiry. No casualties were reported in the incident.
Designed by Design and Associates, New Delhi, the new Meghalaya Legislative Assembly complex is being executed by Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam Ltd through subcontracting arrangements. The facility is being constructed to replace the original Assembly building, which was destroyed in a fire more than two decades ago.