Shillong, July 31: Overruling the decision of the former Congress-led government, the high-powered committee formed by the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance has decided to construct the new Assembly building at the old site in Police Bazar, Speaker Bindo Lanong said today.

The Meghalaya Assembly went up in flames and the heritage building was reduced to ashes within a few hours on January 9, 2001.

The Congress-led government decided to build a new Legislative Assembly in Upper Shillong.

However, for the past seven-and-a-half years, constant changes in the government’s decision has delayed the process of an early completion of the new building.

The foundation stone was laid last year in Upper Shillong by then Governor M.M. Jacob following the decision of a committee formed by the previous government.

The Speaker today said that the MPA-constituted committee that met yesterday had decided to construct the new Assembly building at the old site considering the accessibility of the area. Lanong is the chairman of the committee.

“We have decided to relocate the site of the new Assembly building from Upper Shillong to the old site at Police Bazar. Upper Shillong is too far away from the city. We will provide necessary facilities, including parking at the basement, construction of an auditorium, offices of the Speaker, ministers and Opposition leaders,” Lanong said.

Alliance setback

Peeved with an overburdened administrative structure, Ardent Basiawmoit, an United Democratic Party legislator, — a major constituent of the MPA — tendered his resignation from the post of the chairman of the Meghalaya Mineral Development Corporation.

Basiawmoit announced his decision to mediapersons today.

In a letter to chief minister Donkupar Roy, the MLA said he had raised the issue of excessive appointments of chairmen, co-chairmen, vice-chairmen and deputy chairmen in various boards and corporations from time to time at the party level and his conscience did not allow him to continue in the post of the chairman any longer.

Basiawmoit, however, assured Roy of his support and co-operation.

“I have no ill feelings against you or your leadership. I would like to thank you for the confidence you have reposed in me by appointing me in the post,” his letter read.

There are indications that more resignations will follow.

Violating its promises before the elections, the MPA has appointed more than 100 persons as chairmen, vice-chairmen, co-chairmen and deputy-chairmen of various boards and corporations.