Hazaribagh, Sept. 12: A state-of-the-art building has come up in Hazaribagh to conduct training for panchayat representatives of seven districts under North Chotanagpur commissionerate.

Chief minister Raghubar Das inaugurated the building online at a programme at Curzon Ground Stadium on Saturday along with a few other projects. Deputy development commissioner (DDC) Rajesh Pathak, who also happens to be the secretary of Hazaribagh zilla parishad, said the building, built at a cost of Rs 4.99 crore, flaunts a modern look.

Built on two acres on Jabra Road with the picturesque Canary Hill behind, the three-storeyed swanky structure has 52 rooms, eight halls, a modern library and two dining halls. There is also a principal chamber and office for staff.

"Called the Commissionerate-level Panchayat Training Institute, Hazaribagh, the building was inaugurated by chief minister. I have been asked to prepare a list of what all is needed to make the institute functional," Pathak said.

Hazaribagh was chosen for housing the institute because it is the headquarters of North Chotanagpur commissionerate comprising the seven districts of Dhanbad, Bokaro, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Chatra, Koderma and Giridih.

"Work started in 2013. We no longer have to worry about accommodation of panchayat representatives or arranging meetings at any spacious hall as this building has all modern facilities and the best infrastructures for training purposes," an official said, adding that at one go, around 500 people could be trained here.

It can be also used for hosting government functions.

DDC Pathak said that everything was ready, except manpower to start the training institute. "We will need accountant, manager, peons, clerks, guards and a master trainer. I will send the requirement list to panchayati raj department officials in Ranchi after finalising it," he said.