Mini Vidhan Soudha will be ready within 3 months: DC

MANGALURU: A foundation stone laying ceremony for new Mini Vidhan Soudha was held in the city more than seven years ago by the then chief minister HD Kumaraswamy and deputy chief minister BS Yeddyurappa. However, the work of three-storied Mini Vidhan Soudha is being continued in a snail's pace even after seven years. Contractors failed to take up work because of various reasons including lack of funds. Deadlines were extended several times and now the district administration has set a new deadline. Deputy commissioner Ab Ibrahim says that the work will be completed within three months. The DC has taken special interest to expedite the work of Mini Vidhan Soudha, but the estimate cost of construction has been increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 7.5 crore. The foundation stone was laid for the building on August 27 in 2007 when JDS-BJP coalition government was in power. It was planned to complete the construction work within a year. The last deadline set for the completion by the Public Works Department was September, but the work never seen completion. Delay in release of funds for the building is said to be the reason for delay. While Rs 2 crore was released in 2007 itself for the construction of a cellar and ground floor, Rs 1.5 crore for the first floor was released in 2010. The 3,712 sq ft complex, spread over ground and two floors will have parking in basement. Taluk office, sub registrar's office, meeting and court halls, among others will come up in the ground floor of the complex.The office of the Assistant Director of Land Records will be housed in the first and second floor. Space will also be provided for record room and store room. At present taluk office, sub registrar's office and other offices are functioning in inadequate space provided in DC Office compound. Ibrahim said that the work will be completed within three months. "State government has released Rs 1 crore and additional funds required will also be released soon. The work suffered setback due to delay in fund release. Meanwhile, the delay in the work also has led to jump in construction cost," he said and added that the work is progressing. -TOI