Assam will script new development saga from new Assembly building: LS Speaker

GUWAHATI: “The building of any State Legislative Assembly is not just a building. This is a temple for our democracy. Sitting in this temple, we work only for the public’s welfare. That is why, in the journey of 75 years of this democracy, through socio-economic development, we have taken the nation forward,” said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after inaugurating the new building of the Assam Legislative Assembly here today.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said, “We need to keep in mind why the voters elected us. The public expects that we, the elected representatives, will speak on their behalf about their problems, hurdles, etc. and seek their solution. Our democracy will be stronger if we, in the House, try our best to fulfil the aspirations of the last-mile citizen. Opting for unethical ways to show differences of opinion has become the new normal nowadays. People’s representatives rush to the well, shout slogans full throttle, and use unparliamentary words. We need to think about which way we are taking the House. The responsibility of taking a state forward lies largely with the State Legislative Assembly. This building will become the powerhouse of collective efforts in the development of Assam. Assam will write a new saga of development in the coming times.”

He said, “Democracy is not just a system to run a government. It is our culture, tradition, and way of life. The world over accepts democracy as the best system.”

On the newly inaugurated building, he said, “The Assam State Legislative Assembly is a wonderful synthesis of Assamese modernity, heritage, and culture. The development of Assam was possible due to the significant contribution of former Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi and the other Chief Ministers of the state.”

In his welcome address, State Assembly Speaker Biswajit Daimary said, “The foundation of the new Assembly building was laid on February 5, 2011. However, the work was not complete for various reasons. We need to laud Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, as it was his initiatives that helped accomplish the building. I thank Om Birla ji for coming and inaugurating this august building at our invitation. In the past two years, I have always tried to keep the dignity of the august house intact.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressing his gratitude to the Speaker, Lok Sabha, said that Om Birla is a glittering personality in the Parliamentary Democracy of India. He has also been a source of inspiration for all the Parliamentarians from Assam to raise various questions on people’s welfare in the Parliament.

Referring to the glorious history of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said that it is one of the oldest assemblies in the country. “This new building is equipped with the facilities of e-Vidhan, audio-visual, and information technology,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Dr. Nomal Momin, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli, MPs, MLAs, senior officers, and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The original cost of the Assembly complex was Rs 228 crore in 2011, which escalated to Rs 350 crore in 2021.

The main building, which will accommodate the House, plus annexe buildings for administrative and other parts, make up the new Assembly complex, which is said to be sprawled across 10 acres of land.

There are 180 seats for lawmakers available in the new House. However, the current strength of MLAs in Assam stands at 126.

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