The Meghalaya government has announced that the proposal for construction of a new Meghalaya House in Vellore is on, following concerns raised over the past few months about the condition of the existing facility.
The issue was highlighted by North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, who flagged the deteriorating state of the building used by patients and their attendants traveling for treatment.
GAD Minister Sosthones Sohtun, while speaking to reporters, said the matter was discussed with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Deputy Chief Ministers. He noted that several stakeholders and legislators had emphasized the urgent need to address the issue, given the importance of the facility to the public.
Sohtun stated that due to the building’s age, renovation was not considered viable. Instead, the government has moved forward with a proposal to construct a new Meghalaya House that will better serve patients.
The planned structure is expected to have more than 50 rooms, including accommodation for officials.
As an interim measure, the department will arrange for a rented house to accommodate patients and their attendants until the new building is completed. They will be shifted back once construction is finished.