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Assam CM inspecting the site earmarked for the proposed Assam Cultural-cum-Convention Centre and Naamghar at Dwarka (Photo: @CMOfficeAssam/X)

New Delhi, July 19: The Assam government is embarking on a significant upgrade of its residential and support facilities across four major cities in India, with plans for seven dedicated establishments in the national capital.

During a media briefing in New Delhi on Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the initiative to create seven specialized facilities in the capital, which will include new Assam Bhawans, hostels tailored for specific communities, and a proposed cultural-cum-convention center.

Detailing the expansion, Sarma noted that New Delhi currently has two government-operated facilities: Assam House and Assam Bhawan.

Assam House has undergone renovations in recent years, while the reconstruction of Assam Bhawan is anticipated to be finalized by the end of this year.

"The Assam Bhawan, which was demolished and rebuilt, will be completed by the end of this year. It will accommodate the Resident Commissioner's office, spaces for Cabinet meetings, and other governmental functions," he stated.

Shifting official activities to the new Assam Bhawan will allow for more public access at Assam House, according to the Chief Minister.

Sarma also mentioned that a third Assam Bhawan in Dwarka is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated around the time of Durga Puja.

"We are constructing the third Assam Bhawan in Dwarka, alongside Karbi Bhawan and Dimasa Bhawan. It will provide accommodation for approximately 40 individuals, primarily catering to patients from Assam who require long-term treatment in Delhi," he explained.

The Dwarka facility will feature dedicated dormitories for patients, students seeking admission, and others needing extended stays in the capital, with no government officials being accommodated to ensure public availability.

"We will also establish transport connectivity between the Dwarka Assam Bhawan and the main Assam Bhawan," he added.

Once all projects are completed, nearly 200 individuals from Assam will be able to stay in government facilities in New Delhi simultaneously.

Additionally, the government is considering the establishment of a separate Barak Bhawan in the national capital.

In addition to residential infrastructure, the Assam government is planning a significant cultural project in Dwarka.

The proposed Assam Cultural-cum-Convention Centre and naamghar will be constructed on land allocated in Sector 17, Dwarka, which has been acquired for approximately Rs 35 crore.

"We aim to build a 100-room accommodation facility where members of the Assamese community in Delhi can host events. We also plan to include a naamghar on the top floor," Sarma stated.

He described this as the state's fourth major initiative in the national capital, with construction expected to commence in January or February next year and take two to three years to complete.

The convention center is envisioned as a permanent cultural and community hub for Assamese residents and visitors in New Delhi.

Regarding accommodation fees, Sarma emphasized that affordability would be a key consideration.

"The cost is not the primary concern; accommodation is. We will set a base rate that will be significantly lower than hotel prices in New Delhi," he noted.

In a subsequent social media post, Sarma highlighted that Assam is enhancing its presence in Delhi to better serve its residents.

"Assam will soon have seven dedicated spaces in New Delhi for our people visiting the national capital. In addition to the existing Assam House, three new complexes are being developed in Central Delhi and Dwarka, one of which will feature a Naamghar and convention hall," he wrote.

He also mentioned similar infrastructure projects in other parts of the country, including a new Assam Bhawan in Bangalore, which is nearing completion and expected to be inaugurated this year, and a major redevelopment project on Russell Street in Kolkata, where a six-storey Assam House with 90 rooms is under construction.