The
project, developed by the state’s Roads and Buildings Department, features 216
state-of-the-art residential units across 12 towers. Far from the modest flats
of the past, each residence is a sprawling 3BHK apartment, covering a
substantial built-up area of 238.45 square meters (approximately 2,500
sqft). Each unit has been meticulously designed to accommodate the dual
roles of a legislator, featuring three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and,
crucially, a dedicated office room with a separate waiting area. The inclusion
of a servant’s room and two allocated parking spaces per unit underscores the
premium and comprehensive nature of the accommodation provided to the state’s
182 lawmakers.
Beyond
the private spaces, the complex functions as a self-sufficient township
designed to foster community and support legislative work. Amenities include a
multipurpose hall, a community hall, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, indoor
sports facilities, a canteen, a dispensary for medical care, and a provision
store. From an ecological perspective, the project aligns with modern
sustainability efforts, incorporating a rainwater harvesting system and the
planting of 600 new trees across the 28,576 square meter campus.
A
New Chapter in Legislative Comfort
The
rationale behind this massive investment lies in addressing the glaring
obsolescence of the previous housing. The old quarters in Sector 17, built in
1971, were simple one-BHK units (41.46 sq. meters), while subsequent two-BHK
flats in Sector 21 (built in 1990-91) had also become inadequate for the needs
of modern legislators who often host staff and constituents. The demolition of
the outdated structures paved the way for this high-rise, modern complex,
reflecting a broader governmental push to enhance the working environment and
status of elected representatives.
However,
the sheer scale of the expenditure invites an analysis of public finance
priorities. While modern, secure, and professional housing is essential for
effective governance, the significant outlay of ₹325 crore for 216
units—coupled with reports that MLAs are charged only a token rent (as low as
₹37.50 per month, according to some estimates)—stands in sharp contrast to the
waiting list for government housing faced by other public servants, notably
police personnel, in the state capital. This dynamic presents a delicate
political balance between ensuring the dignity and efficiency of lawmakers and
addressing the infrastructural needs of the wider government workforce.
Inaugurated
amidst the Diwali festivities, the new MLA quarters are strategically
positioned not just as a physical structure, but as a political statement on
the state's commitment to delivering high-quality public infrastructure. The
complex solidifies Gandhinagar’s image as a capital city invested in its
future, ensuring its legislative body operates from a state-of-the-art hub
designed for both work and rest.
- Abhijit
No comments:
Post a Comment