Shillong, Dec 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new Meghalaya House Annexe at 9, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong and General Administration Department (GAD) Minister Sosthenes Sohtun.
The new complex will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will comprise 24 guest rooms along with a meeting hall and will be built at an estimated cost of ₹ 22 crore. 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.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Meghalaya House in 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 new rooms would cater to the growing number of people from Meghalaya visiting Delhi for official meetings, interviews, examinations, medical purposes and other engagements.
He 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 Chief Minister remarked that Meghalaya House should become the first choice for residents of the State while staying in Delhi. “Once completed, the 24 guest rooms 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. “New infrastructure alone is not enough. The human touch is equally important. 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 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 Meghalaya.
