With the renovation project of Gujarat Assembly building almost completed at an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore, the newly elected Vijay Rupani Government will have the privilege to present its first budget in the refurbished swanky House.
Over a month long budget session will start from February 19, 2018. It took almost one year for the facelift of entire State assembly building which is part of Gujarat Secretariat in Gandhinagar. Complete renovation of the assembly building took place after almost four decades as the construction work of the original building initiated in March 1978 and it completed in July 1982.
“The renovation works of the assembly building almost completed and final touches have been given which would take 8-10 days more. First budget session of 14th Gujarat Assembly will be held in a renovated building of the State assembly,” said Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, who is holding Road & Building portfolio.
The Deputy CM will have the honour to present first budget in the renovated assembly building on February 20, 2018 as he also holds Finance portfolio. According to Patel Noida based architectural firm was roped in for the facelift project of Gujarat Assembly building and an Ahmedabad based construction company completed the project well in time. The building has been upgraded with modern facilities and security systems, which would make the building one of the best State assemblies in the country, he added.
“Basic structure of the assembly building has been kept the same, but other things including the House, cabins for Ministers including that of Chief Minister and leader of Opposition, canteens, furniture, ceiling, electrification etc. have been changed. In the old building, false ceiling was not there, but in the renovated building feature of false ceiling has been added,” said SB Vasava secretary Road & Building (R&B) department. Seating capacity inside the House has been increased from 182 to 184, says R&B Chief Engineer KM Patel, adding that cabins of Ministers too increased from 18 to 27.
Nearly Rs 120 crore spent for the facelift of the building spread across 55000 sq ft areas, he said. Besides, seating capacity in the press gallery too augmented.