Silchar: The formalities to set up a mini-secretariat in Barak Valley are in the final stage.

The foundation stone for the project will be laid this year, Assam excise and fisheries minister Parimal Suklabaidya said on Friday.

A mini-secretariat in the Barak Valley was a major poll promise of the BJP during its 2016 campaign.

Suklabaidya, legislator from Dholai Assembly constituency, is the only minister from the Barak Valley.

He said various sites had been inspected and a report had been submitted to the government. The process is under way and the foundation stone for the project would be laid within this year. "The proposed sites are being reviewed and the government is going to finalise the spot very soon. Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal is expected to lay the foundation stone for the mega project," he said.

Asked if the government was giving special preference to any site, he said it was an internal matter and the decision lay with the government.

Silchar MLA and former Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Dilip Kumar Paul said of the many sites inspected, one at Ramnagar (near Kalyani Hospital), 5km from here, was the most suitable for the project given its location and connectivity.

The area is spread over around 93 bighas, he said.

"However, there are some issues with the army as an army camp is located there. Hopefully, the matter will be resolved soon," he said.

Borkhola MLA Kishore Nath said Haticherra, around 16km from here, would be a good choice for the project.

Besides, the site, which is spread over 82 bighas, stands apart from the other sites and this is suitable considering the prospects of future expansion of Silchar, he said.

Karimganj North Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha said the mini-secretariat should be set up at a place equidistant from the three districts of the valley 3 Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi.

"Kalinagar, around 26km from here, will be the perfect choice," he said.