SHILLONG, SEPT 10: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma on Thursday inspected the new Assembly building at New Shillong and expressed satisfaction over the progress of work.

Stating that it was not an official review meeting, Sangma said, “I will be away for more than 10 days for a CP tour from tomorrow, so I wanted to see the site myself. I am quite satisfied with the progress.”

He said the PWD has been given October 31 as the official deadline to complete the building, with inauguration expected by mid-November.

The Speaker said his meeting with the DoNER Minister regarding sanction for the second phase was fruitful, though the Ministry has changed its funding format.

“They have advised us to seek funding through the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office, who will guide us to the concerned department,” he said.

He said cost escalation was due to additional components like ICT, IT and security systems which were not part of the original DPR but are necessary.

Sangma said the October 31 deadline will be the last and expressed hope that the project will be completed within this calendar year, enabling the next Budget session to be held in the new Assembly building.