Bhubaneswar, February 26 Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for a new Odisha Bhavan in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri area on Thursday, according to an official statement.
The proposed building, to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 93.27 crore, will showcase the state's rich history, art, and culture.
The previous structure was demolished as it had become old and unsafe, the statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said.
The new building will have three basements, a ground floor, and six storeys. It will house 45 suites equipped with modern facilities. An exhibition area will be set up on the first floor, while a conference hall with a seating capacity of around 70 will be on the second floor.
Majhi said the tender process for this project has been completed, and construction will begin soon.
"The state government plans to build Odisha Bhavans in cities across the country, including Ayodhya, Bengaluru, and Surat, in the coming days. Land has been sought from the respective state governments for this purpose," the chief minister said, adding that the state government already has operational Odisha Bhavans in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.
There is also a proposal to construct another building in Mumbai for the convenience of people, Majhi said, adding that a special division will be created for the maintenance of these buildings and halls.
Majhi said a shelter will be built near the Master Canteen Chowk here for people coming to the city from different districts of the state for work, in which three-day accommodation will be provided at a low cost.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, state works minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, principal secretary, works department, Sanjay Kumar Singh, attended the function in New Delhi.