• Assam: 28 MLAs Issued Reminders for Vacating Quarters

    Regional
    Assam: 28 MLAs Issued Reminders for Vacating Quarters
    Some MLAs, particularly those from Congress, stated that they were unable to leave their residences because they needed extra time to find rental housing.

    Digital Desk: As many as 28 MLAs who haven't vacated their official quarters in the Assam Legislative Assembly complex have received a reminder from the assembly office to shift to alternate accommodation by July 31 or their electricity and water will be disconnected.

    Around 54 Assam-type quarters, built in the 1970s for ministers and MLAs when Assam's capital was shifted from Shillong to Guwahati, are currently being demolished.

    In three years, the state government intends to build three to four multi-storey towers nearby. Along with the towers, the new project will have enough room to build a park, a cycling zone, and open space.

    The 54 MLAs were notified of the dismantling work in April and urged to make plans for alternate housing in the city. Additionally, these legislators receive a monthly housing allowance of Rs. 50,000.

    According to Principal Secretary Hemen Das, a process to develop new buildings and upgrade the hostels for 54 MLAs was started in April. He said that 18 MLAs had already left the quarters that had been demolished. "Six additional lawmakers have been informed that they must turn in the keys to their rooms by this week, and two more quarters will shortly be demolished," Das said.

    He added that 28 legislators have not yet vacated their quarters. The letter of reminder adds that these quarters will be demolished starting on August 1 and that the water and electricity will be turned off in preparation for this on July 31 at midnight.

    It is to be noted that some MLAs, particularly those from Congress, stated that they were unable to leave their residences because they needed extra time to find rental housing.