Bhubaneswar, 26 February (H.S.): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new Odisha Bhawan building in New Delhi. On the occasion, he stated that the architectural design of the proposed structure would reflect Odisha’s rich art, heritage and cultural legacy.
According to official sources, the existing Odisha Bhawan had become outdated and inadequate in terms of space and facilities to meet present-day requirements. Keeping modern needs in view, the State Government has planned a new, state-of-the-art complex. The proposed building will comprise three basements, a ground floor and six additional floors. It will house 45 well-equipped suites with modern amenities. An exhibition area will be developed on the first floor, while the second floor will feature a conference hall with a seating capacity of around 70 persons.
The Chief Minister informed that the tender process for the project has been completed and construction work will commence shortly. The total estimated cost of the project is ₹93.27 crore.
He further stated that the State Government is working to strengthen administrative coordination and cultural engagement by establishing Odisha Bhawans in major cities across the country. In this regard, new Odisha Bhawans are also proposed to be constructed in Ayodhya, Bengaluru and Surat, for which land has been sought from the respective state governments.
The Chief Minister also noted that Odisha Bhawans are already functional in Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai, and a proposal is under consideration for constructing an additional facility in Mumbai. A separate dedicated division will be created for the maintenance and management of all Odisha Bhawans and guest houses.
In addition, to facilitate citizens visiting the State capital for official or emergency purposes, the government has proposed the construction of a ‘Jan Ashraya Bhawan’ near Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar. The facility will provide affordable accommodation for up to three days for people coming from different districts of the State.
The foundation ceremony in New Delhi was attended by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, and Principal Secretary of the Works Department Sanjay Kumar Singh, along with other senior officials.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
