Minister's house blocks multi-storey flats for MPs

Under the project, CPWD is to construct four-bedroom multi-storey flats for MPs at Bishambar Das Marg here after demolishing four houses -- bungalow number 1, 3, 5 and 7. While 1,3 and 5 are already being vacated, bungalow 7 is yet to be vacated causing delay in the project.

"I have written a letter to the PM and the Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy to expedite the process so that 52 flats can come up at the BD Marg," Lok Sabha Housing Committee chairman JP Aggarwal said.

The project could not take off for the last six months as Minister of State for Finance S S Palanimanickam was yet to be shifted from bungalow 7 to an alternate place.

"We are waiting for more than six months for the 7 BD Marg to be handed over to us so that it can be demolished and we start the construction of the multi-storey flat there," a senior CPWD official said.

However, when contacted Palaimanickam refused to comment on it. Expressing his helplessness, a senior Directorate of Estate official said, "We have offered the minister alternate accommodations at more than one place and he has to decide. Unless the minister vacates the house on his own we cannot force him to do so."

Directorate of Estate under the Urban Development Ministry is responsible for allotting houses to ministers. Urban Development Ministry is in touch with the minister over the shifting of his bungalow.

The new multi-storey flats will be spacious with all modern amenities keeping the present requirement in mind.

There are many MPs who have refused allotments in North Avenue and South Avenue even after the allotment as they find it too small to cater to their requirement.