Patna : In a move aimed at streamlining the functioning of newly formed municipal bodies in Bihar, the state’s Urban Development and Housing Department has given the green light for the construction of administrative buildings. The initiative, intended to enhance the operational efficiency of municipal offices, will begin with 15 newly established local bodies.
The department issued a directive approving the construction of administrative buildings for these 15 municipal bodies, which includes three existing municipal councils – Teghra, Ballia, and Shivhar – that have long lacked proper office buildings.
The order, issued by the department, emphasizes the necessity of permanent office buildings for the effective functioning of these municipal bodies. Local bodies that are currently operating from rented spaces, community halls, or block offices have been instructed to submit proposals for new land acquisition, including a no-objection certificate from the circle officer. These documents will allow the construction process to proceed smoothly.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Jivesh Kumar expressed confidence that the construction of these permanent administrative buildings would accelerate urban development in the newly formed municipal bodies. He directed all local bodies, operating from temporary spaces such as rented buildings or community halls, to submit land details, a land map, and the no-objection certificate to the department for approval.
Apart from the three municipal councils, the construction of administrative buildings has been authorized for the following new municipal towns: Akbarnagar, Pawapuri, Katoria, Sheikhopur Sarai, Parbatta, Hasanpura, Itadhi, Kako, Muraul, Ghosi, Chandi, and Saraiya.
Abhay Kumar Singh, Secretary of the department, explained that a total area of 16,000 square feet is required for a municipal council building, while a municipal town building will need 10,760 square feet. The construction cost for the administrative buildings in the municipal towns is estimated at approximately Rs 2.49 crore, while the cost for municipal councils is pegged at around Rs 4.98 crore. The necessary preparations for this large-scale construction project have already been completed.
