‘Project Completed at ₹19.18 Crore’
Shillong, June 13: The long-awaited Integrated Police Welfare Complex at Baghmara in South Garo Hills has been completed and inaugurated, marking a significant milestone in strengthening welfare infrastructure for police personnel in Meghalaya.
The project, which was first proposed during 2011-12, was included in the priority list of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and received government approval during 2015-16.
Initially sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹14.94 crore, the project faced multiple hurdles, including sharp cost escalation and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to official records, the first installment of ₹4.72 crore was sanctioned on March 31, 2016, and released to Meghalaya Government Construction Corporation (MGCC) Ltd. for execution. However, the project encountered a setback when the lowest tender received was found to be 53.5 percent higher than the approved estimate, which had been prepared on the basis of the Public Works Department’s Schedule of Rates (SOR) for 2010-11.
Due to the significant increase in costs, the State Level Empowered Committee (SLEC) in February 2017 decided to close the original project and directed the preparation of a fresh Detailed Project Report (DPR). Subsequently, MGCC Ltd. submitted a revised DPR estimating the project cost at ₹25.35 crore based on updated rates.
To keep the project financially viable, a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya in May 2018 resolved to reduce the scope of work and execute the project within the originally approved budget. As a result, the number of proposed buildings was reduced from six to four.
The revised project retained key facilities including a JCOs Mess, Police Welfare Training Centre, Officers' Mess and Recreation Centre. The modified proposal was recommended by the SLEC in September 2018 and subsequently approved by the Ministry of DoNER in February 2021 at a cost of ₹17.20 crore.
The State Government later accorded final approval to the project at a total cost of ₹19.18 crore, including agency charges and contingencies. MGCC Ltd. floated e-tenders in August 2021, while physical construction began in February 2022.
Despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project progressed steadily and was completed in September 2025. The completed complex was formally handed over to the concerned department on January 18, 2026, and inaugurated by the Chief Minister on January 20, 2026.
Officials said that a total of ₹16.56 crore has so far been released for the project, including ₹11.56 crore as the Central share and ₹5 crore as the State share. The remaining State contribution of ₹2.61 crore will be released upon receipt of the final bill from MGCC Ltd., subject to availability of funds.
The government has also submitted all required documents, including utilization certificates, progress reports, inspection reports, project completion certificates, maps, geotagged photographs and operationalization certificates, on May 26, 2026.
The Integrated Police Welfare Complex is expected to enhance welfare facilities, training infrastructure and recreational amenities for police personnel stationed in the region, contributing to improved working and living conditions for the force.
