More than 1,200 ideas on how best the complex could be utilised
The response has been tremendous, even overwhelming. Taking up the challenge tossed at them by The Hindu on August 7, hundreds of readers and concerned citizens have submitted more than 1,200 ideas on how best the sprawling complex on Anna Salai, which was originally meant to house the Secretariat and Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu, could be put to use.
With imagination and public spirit, students and teachers, salaried employees and businessmen, technicians and architects, senior citizens and serving government employees, from the city, from elsewhere in Tamil Nadu and the country, and from far-flung places such as Britain, Sweden, the United States, Canada and Kuwait have written in their suggestions and views on putting life back into the building. Many are identified by no more than a name and an e-mail address, while others have backed their ideas with a summation of their qualifications or their reasons for their proposals.
As this newspaper had sought ideas that would help the citizens claim this building, on which about Rs. 500 crore of taxpayers' money has so far been spent, as their own public space, health services and educational purposes are predominant among the ideas that have poured in.
Proposals for establishing a state-of-the-art, super-speciality hospital on the lines of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, accessible to the poor and with facilities for medical instruction, research and exchange of ideas are numerous and may emerge among the most popular ideas. Some have referred to the metropolis being the hub of high-end medical treatment and have argued that a top medical education and research institution would be appropriate for Chennai.
Educational purposes suggested vary from making the complex a ‘knowledge hub' to the establishment of a university that will offer both humanities and science courses. Other ideas related to education include general proposals for any educational institution or specific ones that suggest a research centre for a particular sector of learning such as information technology, science and technology, engineering, law or agriculture.
Museums and libraries of various kinds are among the readers' recommendations, with some emphasising that the grand building with an Assembly chamber and smaller halls could be apt for showcasing Tamil culture, literature and history. Some have a national or international perspective and call for establishing a world class museum. Many ideas concern auditoriums, convention centres and trade complexes.
While some suggestions for using the complex as a library are nuanced in their submission — a children's education and entertainment centre or an engineering and technological resource centre — there are general submissions for a library complex, which fail to take into account the establishment of a massive public library at Kotturpuram that was inaugurated less than a year ago.
Administrative use of the building is still on the minds of many. There are many suggestions such as those for an integrated compound for government offices, combined headquarters for various police wings, a single complex for the judiciary, and shifting the Chennai Corporation from the early 20th century Ripon Buildings to the modern premises on Anna Salai. There is a suggestion for a single Pentagon-like defence headquarters for south India.
Commercialisation of the compound — malls, IT companies, private offices, hotels and even a proposal for earmarking some space for a ‘gambling centre' — is a view held by some who feel it could be used to generate revenue.
Of course, there are critics and sceptics who wonder why alternative uses should be considered when it could very well be utilised for its original purpose as the Secretariat.
Readers can continue to email ideas to ourbuilding@thehindu.co.in or write in to Project ‘Our Building,' The Hindu, Kasturi Buildings, 859 & 860 Anna Salai, Chennai 600002.
The link for the original story, ‘A building in search of an idea,' inviting suggestions can be accessed here.
The building was designed and constructed so far to be the Assembly/Secretariat. Using it for other purpose will be a bigger waste of people's money. A library/museum/general hospital needs a different architecture and facilities. using this for such is not appropriate. IF there are issues then, correct/fix/find/solve them and make it better if you can and ultimately bring it to use and dont waste it by prolonging time so that the buliding gathers dust ! Funny comments from readers seems to be comments with reckless attitude. This shows that since people are like this SO WILL BE THE LEADERS !
It is another example for Madam Jayalalitha's mindset that whatever the previous Govt. did was either wrong or they should not get an appreciation for that. This assembly building construction was a long pending requirement and was executed very well to suit the purpose. It is not fair to think of any other alternative use for this building. The Hindu must advise Madam to use it as Secretariat after completing the remaining work.
The Architectural and Magnificent building that was constructed for a particular purpose should be used for that purpose.One should think which money spend and thoughtprocess,ideas used for, location,buetification.No one will hesitate to use this beautifull,Magnificent,Architectural building other than particular Purpose,THE GATEWAY OF TAMILNADU L ASSEMBLY HALL.
If the assembly continues to function there, the news will Read "xxx arrested or inquired on frauds involving construction of Tamil Nadu State Assembly." It would be categorically shameful on us before other states. Already we have enough in the way of shame. Secondly, nothing can be done until the dust clears and in fact the construction is still not over according to project estimation.Once dust clears, a university for free education for the poor and differently abled, and some portions as museum/park. The remaining portions can be filled with some procedural govt offices that are located within 15 km radius of this insignificant structure. No for TIDEL Park or Something Else, the resultant will be unwanted traffic, and I am for Shifting of capital to Trichy or Madurai.
Use the building to house orphans,beggars and vagabonds.Free food available to anybody from the state 24hours a day.
It is a huge structure raised and still remains unfinished.When the city is over crowded and traffic is so chaotic ,if this building is put to use where not less than 1000 people or more are going to be housed, for any purpose for that matter,with hundreds visiting this place,everyday, it is going to make it worse. It is the Politicians who make mess of things for their selfish ends,for their vain glory using tax payers money instead of investing it for so many good things,developmental projects we end up in a situation scratching our heads.It is better that it is converted into a Hospital so that the public will have the benefit.What else can we do.Better otherwise, sell it and use that money and TN Govt. can come out of its debts.Let the money be used for better purposes.
I am surprised that this issue has taken center stage.I am also surprised that people are talking about waste of tax payer's money. This project should not have taken place in the first place. Nobody is talking about the fiscal situation in Tamil Nadu after 10 years of freebie projects. The present government's budget indicates that this deficit will widen. The new legislative assembly building is only the cherry on the cake. Tamil Nadu deserves to be governed from Fort St George.The fort has been the center of power from mid Eighteenth Century. We cannot ignore it because we had a bad experience with British. We have destroyed all our old buildings in Madras citing this bad experience.
Any idea to involve government in using this building for anything free is going to further waste public money. It should be auctioned for commercial use and money added to the Exchequer .This at least would create much needed job opportunities.
My suggestion for putting the building into best use is to use it as a training place for aspiring politicians , mainly youngsters. Management experts from reputed Management Schools , spiritual teachers, reputed, unblemished and successful public servants can be invited for training.
We should use this building only for the purpose of what it meant. Otherwise proper explanation to be given.
The building should be used for the purpose for which it was built. It is insane it abandon a building on political reasons. If the present government feels that the building is unsuitable for its purpose, it is also their responsibility to make it suitable by taking appropriate action. We can't tolerate wasting tax payer's money and nonsense politics any more.
As a designer, try as I might, I am at loss to appreciate any asthetics in the design and details or lack of it rather(look at the cut-out style neon sign on top like an eyesore). I wonder what so elegant and majestic about this monstrous communist fashioned building which appears more to intimidate the masses as the intended occupants want(ed) it to be than sending out any service oriented humane emotions. This architecture is a result of any other post-colonial mumbo-jumbo philisophies that has been the bane of our land and the utter cacophony in our organisations. There will be some tangible urban develpment in terms of planning only when political parties put respect for each other before personal and party egos which only can be wished it prevailed. Until then there will be rotting film cities, townships, welfare programmes, sports facilities, secretariats and with it will rot our names and diginity. Sad we used to be evolved and civilised.
Actually , it may siut Chennai to have a building on the lines of Scotland Parliment house, Edinburgh, because of weather conditions here are quite harsh. But, if it is possible, that model must be given a look - it is just fantastic.
This building can be converted into a Tamil Museum. It should contain all important Tamil literature related things. It'll help all the students from schools and colleges and will help them enhance their knowledge and generate interest in Tamil literature. It'll also help people of other states and countries to remember Tamil culture and literature.
First of all tks to Hindu to raise our voice against the politicians. The earlier goverment has built this huge building not frOm there own money. All the money Rs,1100 crore spent is purely public's tax money.There are so many people and families Living in the street corners in all the areas of Chennai even without a Hut.Many womens and young girls struggle to do routine chores in the open public. Are the earlier and the existing Govt.not aware of it? So far no common man OR social organization have come forward to raise a voice against the govt for this issue? If we do so,we cannot survive... That will be our la(o)st voice in the world. The new building can be modified for the people who has no shelters and a Govt hospital can be provided at free of cost.
Folks who talk about the crores spent on this are the typical indian forgetfull citizens. Think about how much corruption was in this project that had to finish in such a haste. It is a symbol of DMK's corruption and hegemony. I think the current government is right in not having this as the administrative center. I think it is a right political message. The previous goverment were on a roll doing whatever they wanted in the name of governance. Such folks should be made aware that if you want to achieve something great, they have to include everyone in it. Also, I think many people commenting here have not even seen the building in person. I didn't feel it was aesthetically pleasing. It looked like a mall covered in glass. It told nothing about the history of tamil nadu. Fort george definitely does. On top of that, A living human's picture was put up in that building. I don't think many appreciate Mayawati raising her own statues everywhere.
The change has been made because of MK, when jaya proposed to build a secretriate at Kotur ,MK made it into a library which is sheer waste of money.One may see the building inside and with such a massive interior is not necessary for an library. Now if jaya make the secretirate into office or mall or anything , if Mk comes to power he will surely again change into secretriat , hence the only alternative is to make it into govt hospital so that MK does not do any thing in that building and also it will be useful for people.
Why talk of political vendetta? Why not think that maybe JJ feels that she can work much better from Fort George than at the new secretariat built by MK? I believe that this opens a new avenue to us ordinary people - This new building can be used for people - I would like this new building to be used for small traders - what with price rise and everything - small entrepreneurs find it so difficult to find a small commercial place to establish and begin their business - I beleive that the new building can be used to rent out to small business owners and professionals ( lawyers, chartered accountants, financial professionals, doctors etc).
I agree with what Mr Selva mentioned in this column. AIDMK government should have opposed the construction when DMK was in power. Such attitude of the present Government is not making any sense. It is a war for maintaining their personal status
A well planned complex has to be used for the purpose for what it is built for. Time to move out of the shadow of British Raj.. and start governing from the building of our own. Present govt, instead of taking it has a DMK achievement, should work on the building to improve and leave its mark. TN People will appreciate it instead of wasting 1000 crores, when the state debt is hovering around 20K crores. Media and Public should work hard to make the present govt understand it.
Just want to say that this is a well-written summary/compilation of readers' views, and that the Hindu is moving from strength to strength as a genuine public forum. Over the months and years since this website has been launched I have seen more and more comments from all ends of the spectrum published. All this can only be a good thing. Hope the secretariat is put to good use!
From comments thus far its becoming obvious that 'The Hindu' has initiated discussion on a frivolous topic. Maybe one should consider the possibility of next government reverting it back to its originally intended purpose! I would just leave it as a government's administrative building.
This was meant to be TN Government head quarters, if Jayalalitha feels there is something wrong she has to call for a referendum or settle for judicial decision, otherwise it will be construed as a political decision because the recent Samacheer Kalvi proved that.
The building should be completed in all respect as per the planned architect and must be converted into a legendary museum of Tamil Nadu depicting the socio-cultural, political, spiritual and religious faces of Tamils since from the origin. This will boost the morale of third generation and provides an opportunity to enrich the knowledge of upcoming generations about the Tamils and various stages of development.
This whole discussion should be of how can we use the St George's Fort after we occupy the new legislative complex. St George's fort shall be a good place for a museum. This building was built with a single purpose in mind. Why cannot this complex be completed in a speedy manner and the whole assembly shall be shifted to this new building in six months to a year. How can a most reputable news paper like 'The Hindu' give room for such an idea of thinking to put this building to another use, Instead it should do some investigative journalism to find the original reasons behind her decision and and expose to the public and gather support to use this building for its intended purpose.
Even in Iran such a thing could never have happened. World's biggest democracy is blessed with narrow minded democratic leaders. Present Govt. should use the building for the purpose it was raised with public money. If they want to give it a new look they should get the design improved from the original designers. A new assembly was badly needed and the same was felt even by present day rulers prior to 2006. People will not forgive such callous decisions as leaving the building to any less important purposes.
World class university would best suit or can be used as research center
[ISRO, Bio tech].
IT is not clear as to why the AIADMK Government is bent on not using the newly constructed building at enormous public cost and if there are any irregularities or kick-backs in the construction,then it is definitely in order to have proper enquiries to fix responsibilities and accountability on those responsible for the lapses.But keeping the building unused is really not advisable.I would suggest the the building be used for the establishment of the Supreme Court Bench for the Southern Region that is being talked about for quite a long time but has not fructified for reasons unknown except that the Supreme Court itself is not in favour of the regional benches for fear of dilution of its own authority and prestige although there is overwhelming public support for regional benches of the Supreme Court to help the litigants all across the country and even the Law Commissions have favoured the proposal.
This building can be used for any commercial purpose. As a taxpayer I am concerned about the debt of the state. This can be used as a government office with all the sections in one roof so that the people do not have to wander from one place to another
The Hindu has been part of my life for the past 40 years or so. I am a resident of USA. I am amused that the electronic version of the paper gives the impression that views are required for making use of the building for a purpose other than for which it was built. I do not understand why there is a need at all for this discussion. Public money has been spent on its construction. More than that we should encourage a culture wherein we respect decisions and views with which we do not agree. The previous government took a decision based on a long felt need and constructed this building. I don't understand why there is a need not to use it, other than to score political points. We should not be changing history. That's what caused demolition of Babri Masjid.
This is such a fantastic and beautiful building has to be used for its actual purpose. As many viewers said the present government has to keep all its ego somewhere and use this building as it is and save the taxpayers money.
AIADMK Govt should change its mindset of simply leaving in stranded the newly built secretariat.it should be used for Assembly and Secretariat.if you don't like the front view/elevation of complex -modify it with architect engineers and reuse it. or - my best advice -if you really are interested to build a new assembly and secretariat, build it in Trichy-Dindigul-Madurai at the centre of Tamil Nadu. It will be very convenient and for easy/effective/good administration.Also will promote development of southern districts as still its being neglected due to growth and development of northern states of TamilNadu.also it should include TamilNadu branch of SUPREME COURT of INDIA.
If the adamant ruling party doesn't occupy the assembly, it will be done by the DMK party in their next term. It will be like govt.offices getting shifted for every monsoon and winter as in Jammu & Kashmir. So the decision based on all these discussions, which will be taken now should be a permanent one.It should be accepted by all classes of people and the majority of house. Also it is nice to see that 'The Hindu' is encouraging the pubic for its views and opinions.
Move the Reserve Bank of India and National Stock Exchange to this building.
This great structure should be used for the same purpose of it was designed and built.
Is it not ridiculous to plan for its use after constructing a building worth Rs 1100 Crore instead of otherway around....
I would like to recall my proposal to lease this building to an International Hotel chain on long term. This is keeping in view of the fact that if the building is used for any other purpose sponsored by the state government, the building would be taken over again as the secretariat in case DMK come to power again.This practise would go on with the change of governments. Both the parties have no concern about the public money. If this is once for all leased to an outsider for 99 years, that would put an end to such hypocratic actions of politicians. Public money will be refunded and at the same time Chennai will have another feather in it's cap in hospitality industry employing several people
In my opinion I feel this is where we dont have the unity and solidarity in thinking things in a logical manner. A govenment has taken a decision to implement a scheme and a building has been built where a huge taxpayers amount has been utilised. Now where is the logic for the new govenment to come and say that that building would not be utilised. In that case the govenment needs to compensate the Taxpayers. If it feels that the building cannot be built it should have vehemently opposed at that time and should have done all means to prevent it. Right now it is foolish to think of what could it be used for. It is more like marrying a girl and feeling what can i use this girl the best for. The Complex was built as a Secretariat and it needs to be used for that. If it is not used then it shows the state's and country's indecisiveness to the international media and world. Its high time ruling govt and state govt think of working for the welfare and prestige of state in such critical issues.
This building has been planned and constructed for a specific purpose. If you just go and see the current secretariat builidng, it is heavily crowded. Thousands of public come there for their various works pertaining to the government. The present ADMK governement should not think this as the initiative of the previoud DMK government, but they should actually think of how best it can be utilised for a secretariat complex. This would really help the thousands of people who come to secretariat for various works.
The building should be used ONLY for its original purpose meant for the TN secretariat and assembly. Arrogant and adamant behaviors of the rulers should be exposed by the legal system of our country. The new rulers should stop pressing the undo button just because the people elected them by mere accident and not whole heartedly. A fitting lesson can also be given by the courts for all the undo activities of this new administration, in line with the reply given by the court in the case of uniform education system.
let this beautiful building be the State information Centre. All information about the state of Tamilnadu be displayed in attractive ways. A part of the building can be utilised for a free public library and another part be ear marked for a free health check up with all facilities for poor people and for others let a nominal amount be collected.
That building is meant only for state assembly. I dont know why this newspaper getting ideas to utilize in other ways. Present state government did this due to its adamant leadership.
This fantastic building in chennai should be completed fully and all formalities (paper works legally)should be completed. This building can be used for the payment of electric bill, building tax bill,two nationalized banks can be operated,one good veg.canteen,railway ticketing counter,and the rest of the gov.offices can be given so that people need not go round about for the payment as all these offices can be under one umbrella.If good facilities are given I am sure people will pay their bills without any problems.Even all telephone operators can be accomodated so that people will pay their telephone bills as well. Hope the new gov.(AIADMK) Jayalalitha gov,will make this building a role model by providing all the above said gov.offices for the rest of the state and the rest of the state follow like this building.
This building was designed to be the administrative center of Tamil Nadu. The architecture, design, purpose etc. has been focused on this. AIADMK should let go off their egos and use the building complex as intended.
A world class Business School as TN doesn't have anything as such!
The building is well thought out and the plan is a beauty and no wonder that the architects have a good reputation and also this was best amongst the bids invited. To think that it can be put to a different use other than it was meant for is preposterous and nonsensical. The building must have the assembly as conceived together with all relevant government offices under one roof so that it is easy and comfortable for citizens that need to interact with government for their needs/issues. The present government has to over come its mentality that any thing done by an earlier opposing government is absurd and useless.
better it can be used as a hospital,as it is located in centre of the city.....
The purpose of the advertisement made by the hindu clearly potraits the opinion should be made by the public.Many tamil literature works,old coins,thanjore paintings,etc can be kept in the new building.So that it can be turned in to museum.New generations will know our culture,more tourists will be attracted,our tax money is also not wasted,some get employable opportunities and the place is more suitable for the visitors as it is near to marina beach.
I personally feel that the well-designed,elegant looking building could be used by the present government as the state's "freedom fighters memorial hall". With all due respect, dedicating this massive huge building to the past,present & future leaders on behalf of the people would be a nice decision.
Thanks Hindu for giving a wonderful chance to the Public to voice their views on this critical subject. Along with the most of the readers, I am also in favour that the building should be used for its initial purpose. Further, I am strongly suggesting that in future the governments (both state and central) should hold a public referendum for big projects where a huge amount of tax-payer money goes in.
This is a fantastic building built during DMK party rule. This should not go waste. It can be converted into a museum with rare specimens and other archaeological findings especially in Tamilnadu and also a library to be used by all people.
I would suggest that this complex should be auctioned and private players should develop it into what the state government decides. The Government realize the amount, time spent, interest and the market value. The amount realized be spent on upliftment of poor.
This is the TN Assembly complex and should be a TN Assembly Complex always, ideas should be asked to make the present govt reconsider in moving to this complex. Responsible Newspaper like Hindu should refrain from seeding thoughts for using the building for different purpose. Fort George always looks like a jail, and as though we are still under the influence of British Raj.
Instead of finding ways how to use the facility for its intended purpose, Hindu is doing a gross injustice by asking readers 'how best to use it otherwise'. You could have done a better job here - sad.
When a building is designed for a particular purpose, not only the designer creates a veneer to stand out among other buildings, he will design every room, every fixture, every corridor, every staircase, restrooms, sitting places etc. for the purpose he was told the building serves. This is a hard concrete structure, not a computer model to modify with few key strokes. I am amused by the suggestions, is there any thought process behind all these novel ideas and suggestions? Just imagine converting an office room into a research lab; every electrical fixture, wiring, had to be redone. Research labs need work benches, fume hoods, water (distilled, de-ionized, hot and cold) pipes and sinks every 20 feet, fume hoods, chemical storage and disposable places etc. etc. Similarly for an educational institute, many changes have to be done. This is built with tax-payers money and it should be used for what it is built for, not to waste one more rupee. People should demand its use as it is.
Lets just make sure the stair case and halls dont get plastered with betel juice and other excrements.
This building does not reflect our culture/architecture. Not quite good for State Legislative Assembly but definitely should put in use for other purpose .
Very rarely we can see such 'Futuristic' Buildings being built by Government Sector in India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The whole complex seems to be well thought out, sprawling and very well laid out. It also seems to be painstakingly designed for being a Secretariat Complex. It has three entrances / exits opening out into three adjoining roads. Everything that one can think of that is required for a Secretariat Complex has been provided far including a multi storied parking lot (how many such parking complexes do we have in the whole of India - even though it is a pretty common sight around the world in hundreds of countries). Ministers' offices, Conference halls, Meeting Rooms, Libraries, Common man's centre, Public gatherings, Secretariat, Eateries, Gym, Service areas, security centre, Dining areas, Huge and beautiful assembly hall, properly designed entry area, landscaping.... the list goes on. Can anyone point out what is missing that is required for a Secretariat? The whole beautiful building has been excellently landscaped. Honestly, one never even imagines a Government building in Tamil Nadu will have such lush green meadows around. Open spaces are provided all around the buildings. The exterior really looks good. Can anyone honestly point out one negative point about this building? It seems to be the very first Government Building in Tamil Nadu which has been specifically designed for the purpose it is meant for (look at our Bus stands or bus stations - there are everything else except the space for buses, passengers and passenger amenities). If you entrust the design job to a good global architect this is the kind of satisfying result one gets. Just look at the lay outs, building plans, the facade,the site layout, the exterior looks etc. If the current government or any government for that matters employs a good architect and designer to design a Complex for housing a Secretariat, they will also end up with a very similar design concept. The problems that are listed are: 1.The complex is not fully ready and the previous Government moved in before it was completed. True! This was wrong and ill advised. It is obvious that the previous Government wanted to bask in the glory (like every other Politician) and hastily moved in. 2.The previous Government spent a lot of money in building a temporary Dome in place of the incomplete Dome in order to move in. Yes! This was wrong. The present Government through a Court order can ask the DMK party to reimburse the exchequer the wasted expenses - the tax payer's money. 3. As the building is not fully ready, there are administrative inconveniences. True! But it is not unknown that many Projects employ a technique known as 'soft opening'. This is true for stadiums, hotels, hospitals, housing complexes and what not? One can live with that. 4. It is also alleged that it is possible that the previous Government might have indulged in some corrupted practices and some of the ministers and others may have pocketed large amounts of money. Let us wake up. We are in India. Which government project is free of corruption? Irrespective of state, cast, creed and party, our entire country is corrupted to the core - especially all our governments - let it be State, Central, Municipalities, City Administrations, Village administrations, Corporations, Air India, State Transport Corporations, you name it - each and every Government organization in India is corrupted. So let us face the facts. The correct thing to do is to investigate the allegations, bring out the facts, arrest the culprits. Do not show your anger on the 'Building'. The right thing to do is to complete the building and use it for the purpose for which it has been designed - we all know it. The whole idea of asking us to come out with different ideas for alternate use for the building is a big and most cruel joke. If you want to make a Hospital, University, Corporate office, IT Park, Stadium, library, Museum - Whatever - one needs to design specifically to suit the specific needs of the end user. It is impossible to 'adapt' and 'adopt' a building which has been specifically designed by world renowned architects and designers for housing a Secretariat to be used to house any other end user. It is a very absurd idea. That is how- probably, we have been mis-designing our country so far. Let us stop this non sense. If you design and build an Air port, can you ask your readers, students, professors, common man, scientists, teachers etc to suggest a different use for the building because the CM has decided over night that it is not suitable to house the airport? It is a pity and a big disappointment to read that your readers suggest to convert this to a hospital, a university etc without knowing what is required to house such organizations and without assessing what is on the plate in this present building.
The Government must make sure it completed properly and put to use as it was intended to be.After so much of the taxpayers money that had been spent on it,it would make some sense if the complex serves its purpose.
I personally fell what ex govt has done is injustice to public money in that place which is crowded always and a big marketing place for public with adding this has legeislative assemble it will have only politicians place rather for public and always they will have some meetings in and around that place which will spoil the best marketing area already the ex govt wasted public money in so many ways this is yet other wastage this could be kept has a REST room for public who come for marketing in that area to use it insted of using the streets in that area but people will think such a costlier place has rest room yes our money has been spent by these politician only for such purpose only either they will waste like this or swindle the public money some way
my best suggesion is to have A CLASS REST room in thst area
rmr
I agree with sceptics - if it can be habitable to so many purposes - why not its intended purpose?
I would like to share my view or idea in which the new TN assembly building can be useful to the common man (Aam Aadmi) of TN more, than it will be useful to the politicians.In Chennai we see the Street vendors and the Petty shop keepers face much problems due to lack of place frequent evacuations for various reasons like road enlargement, facing accidents etc...The building can be made as a shopping complex which can be run by such poor Petty Shop & Street Vending Workers.So that they can improve their business because many people will buy things when it comes to complex rather its sold on road side shops.They can form groups among them and come up with good partnership if good guidance provided to them. Also the government can collect rent(tax) from them according to their earnings.So that both the common man and the Govt. can be benefited. The reason behind is the poor can also get a chance to come up in life.The politicians & others have many means for life.
This is public money used to put up such a building in the context of Corruption all over India. This building can be used for a Museum for educating the public, students. The history of Tamilnadu,New Technology like IT, alternate energy like wind energy, solar energy, bio gas energy. Inculcate development that is all inclusive and encouraging common good, gender harmony, religious harmony,removing fundamentalism,and caste contradictions. Secular and democratic traditions should be encouraged.
This building looks ugly. Glad its not used as new assembly. It should be remodeled to be a convention center...
Madras high court functions in very old building, almost one and half century old... so my wish is that new building should be used as HIGH COURT...
Why can it not be used for its intended purpose? The govt. should have strong reasons and explanations for doing anything else. Maybe an independent committee or court should evaluate the validity of such reasons. I think it is important for governments and political leaders in our country to start displaying some maturity.
The building can be made into a premier institute for development and standardization of Tamil language scientific, technological and economic terminology. The past governments have spent several thousand crores of rupees for the development of Tamil, but Tamil remains non-standardized in scientific usage. A look at the state of Tamil Wikipedia, Tamil medium books and various Tamil scientific magazine all reflect something common - confusing and contradictory terminology. When one looks back at China's development today there is one strong reason - the Chinese standardization committee was published in 1949. The building could house something similar for developing and standardizing the Tamil language.
The most urgent need for the country is to store the food grains to prevent heavy damage and wastage, accounting for millions of rupees and depriving the poor. So a part of the building be made a modern cold storage chain of facilities for the perishables. Next make room for the rehabilitation of poor affected by the floods and calamities often. Identify a multi purpose facility center for the poor for education health and entertainment. Last make provision for the children' hospital for the poor and down trodden. Accommodate the most deprived senior citizens left alone. Do not repeat the university, library, hospital, entertanment centers for the rich and middle class, they all have enough in the country
The place should be used what it meant for, It had been designed by International architects with tamil traditional touch. Moreover the concept of building represents the four pillars of democracy. It's an energy efficient building with Green rating by an International body, So it's an criminal waste to put the gigantic structure like this. It's shows the cynical mindedness of the present rulers, so let restore the Assembly and the Secretariat here as soon as possible.
One person's whims should not obliterate the work of many. Lot of people have put in their best to conceptualize, design and build it with a specific purpose in mind. All of this can't be set aside without sufficient reason. If The Hindu wants to be active in this, it should rally public support for insisting that the government completes the work and uses it as planned. On the other hand, rallying public support for alternative use will mean that the public is convinced of the non-usability of this building for the original purpose and that the public condones irresponsible spending by the government. Think of this: DMK comes to power in the future, and abandons the alternative plan that the public has come up with, and starts using it as Secretariat? Are we going to write-off all the money spent in preparing it the alternative purpose?
Chennai had been known for great medical professionals like neuro-surgeon Dr. Ramamurthy and Heart Specialist Dr. Cherian. Both these doyens of medical profession can be remembered by having Super Speciality Centers for neuro-surgery and heart surgery and name them after these great specialists who served the people selflessly for decades. The management of the Centers should be left to a Trust with prominent persons as Board Members. A corpus can be created so that the Center can function without any inrterference from the govt. The fees should be based on the paying capacity of the patient. Having said all this I know it is only a pipe-dream!!
Whatever might be the useful purpose the building is put to, it should be seen to it that if DMK forms the next government, this building should not be again converted into the assembly complex and secretariat and if ADMK forms the next, again to something else. This is a public property. Not a toy in the hands of the politicians in power. If irregularities are found, as claimed by the present ADMK govt, they should be solved first and the building should be used for the purpose it was designed at the first instance.
It is another example for Madam Jayalalitha's mindset that whatever the previous Govt. did was either wrong or they should not get an appreciation for that. This assembly building construction was a long pending requirement and was executed very well to suit the purpose. It is not fair to think of any other alternative use for this building. The Hindu must advise Madam to use it as Secretariat after completing the remaining work.
Though it was blunder by the previous govt to construct such a huge building in the already congested Anna Salai,it is now a criminal attitude by the present govt to leave the building to dilapidated. it would be wise to hand over the building to a private party and establish a govt building at the outskirts of the city with even the ministers and M L A RESIDENCES NEAR BY.
Sir, the fentastic construction of New Secretariate Building can very well be utilised for the same purpose for which it is constructed. Madam Jayalalitha has so far not revealed any solid reasons for not using the new building except personal animosity against the erstwhile government. After her tenure of five years when next new govrnment is elected, they may again switch over to the new building by wasting our tax money. Defenitely there may be files in the Secretariate, proposing for the new construction by enumerating concrete reasons for the new construction. How those proposals were discussed in the Assembly. I confident AIADMK members were also present there. Let the Government occupy the new building, and all the ministers including the CM may be allotted quarters inside the new building so that they may not disturb the traffic everyday.
When the present Government has already wasted the tax money, let us not waste our time to offer our suggestions to the arrogant CM.
My suggestion is to lend LEASE to IT companies which were in TIDEL Park & ASCENDAS Park. Govt. can get Good Revenue based on the Rent. Otherwise the GOVERNMENT offices of all sectors [EB, Lands, Driving License office, Ration head Office, ETC ETC ETC] which will be helpful for the Citizens of TamilNadu to get the JOB done easily from one place.
It is a fantastic building going waste. One of the few good things done by the DMK. Very sad that it has gone waste. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the city. The city needs some good landmarks . It should be used for it's intended purpose and I really wish and pray to God that the AIADMK displays maturity in it's third innings.
My Proposal is to Shift Existing Medras Medical College and Hostels to this Complex and use the existing MMC study facility rooms and Hostel Rooms to increase number of Hospital Beds for the poor people. In this way 3 Problems are solved.
1.Studens also will be Very Happy. 2.Hospital Beds are increased. 3.Government also can justify the Utilization of the new Complex.
This particular place is selected for a specific purpose and constructed with special design after cosidering various factors of why it should be in this locus and why it should not be in Queen Maris college campus. Do you expect one more verdict by Supreme Court similar to Samacheer Kalvi.It must be used for the purpose for what it has been designed for. Every one knows that it is convenient not only to the politicians but also to the public. It is in a beautiful ambience. It must be used for Assembly and its related activities only. This sort of erratic mind should be eradicated from the minds of politicians. One`s good policies should be continiued just like MGR`s Noon Meal Scheme.
Instead of asking for the suggestions for its uage. the Hindu should conduct a opinion poll whether the New Assembly complex should be used for Assembly or any for any other purpose
No amount of ideas from any quarters across the globe could workout utilizing the structure at present except the one that is in the mind of Miss.Jayalalitha. The attempt of 'The Hindu' inviting ideas from the public serves no purpose.
It's unilateral arrogant decision of the previous regime without obtaining consensus of the people to go in for a such a huge mass of building.It's really atrocious to use tax payer's money to build a palatial complex to discuss about the welfare of poor. Now,having spent so much of money,we cannot shun it as such, so we should think in terms of getting back the revenue.It's better to convert part of it as 7-star hotel to cater ultra rich with exorbitant rates.and allot some portion to IT companies on the line of TIDEL park and part of it as super speciality hospital for the NRI's. and the huge revenue collected from this can be utilised to upgrade the exixting all GH's across the state and provide all the facilities of super special hospital,so that the poor people can avail the special treatment free of cost.
COLLOSAL WASTE OF MONEY . It's unilateral arrogant decision of the previous regime without obtaining consensus of the people to go in for a such a huge mass of building.It's real atrocious to use tax payer's money to build a palatial complex to discuss about the welfare of poor. Now,having spent so much of money,we cannot shun it as such, so we should think in terms of getting back the revenue.It's better to convert part of it as 7-star hotel to cater ultra rich with exorbitant rates.and allot some portion to IT companies on the line of TIDEL park and part of it as super speciality hospital for the NRI's. and the huge revenue collected from this can be utilised to upgrade the exixting all GH's in the state and provide all the facilities of super special hospital,so that the poor can avail the special treatment free of cost.
My view is many Government offices are running in the rental building in Chenni, in term of cost effective those offices could be moved into this roof and utilized effectively for tax payer's money. Also government can propose commercial purpose (example malls, IT company) to generating revenue.
Slum dwellers are many in Chennai.The poor among the poorest could be accomodated there and they are monitered for a better living.
Most of the states in our country have their own Secretariate complex with all modern amenities and easy access except Tamil Nadu. The move to discard this new site is extremely political and pure expression of vengeance. Come what may, it will be ill advised to think of some other purpose for this venue except the intended one. Good sense should prevail on all quarters. After all it is public money and just because a particular party had won the election it should not over turn the decisions of another particular political party.
This is the most absurd project that THE HINDU has ever started in its existence. This building is built for a purpose and it should be used exactly for that.Does THE HINDU want to see the building opposite to its office occupied by specific institution/business?
I am surprised to read Hindu today. While the majority opinion was to use it as an assembly complex the Hindu ignored this and mentioned the majority pinion as if it was from few critics and skeptics. This complex belongs to Tamil Nadu and its people, the entire population of Tamil Nadu. It does not belongs to elite who throng the super malls. There is already a world class library complex at Chennai, Kotturpuram. There cannot be any good use other than the seat of the Tamil Nadu government. If the present government has any guts let them arrange a voting on this issue among the elegible voters of Tamil Nadu. It will be another 'Waterloo' like Samacheer Kalvi.
The building should be used for what it is meant for. Seen the rise of building right from Day 1 till today. Feelling very bad for the present government for not using it and made it a standstill building in the middle of entire construction. Past is past, let the current government complete the entire construction of the building and make use it as a SECRETARIAT. This building is really a landmark in History of Chennai as on date and if current government thinks in a good spirit, History will be re-written when the offices commences from here. Please make sure the current government officials read each and every comment posted on this site regarding this article.
I suggest that the building may be utilised to conduct scientific research like ICMR in New Delhi.
I suggest the building be used for the purpose for which it was built - a new Tamil Nadu assembly. The aging and dilapidated assembly building in St George Fort cannot serve the growing needs of a modern society for long. Soon issues like lack of proper access for disabled people, poor energy efficiency and lighting, inability to modify the heritage structure etc will force the government to shift from St George Fort. What better option than to use the new assembly and secretariat buildings for the purpose for which it has been built. Political agenda should give way to rational thinking. If the current government is bent upon using the new building for other purposes then the best option is to use it to set up the Supreme Court bench for South India, which has been on cards for a long time. A building of such magnitude with good infrastructure and excellent location may sway the hitherto unresponsive Supreme Court heads in Delhi to heed to the wishes of the people of South India.
In India, there is no facility for Research and development centre for technical education. I wish to see such centre here if not going to be used as Secretariat.
I liked the idea of University specially to bring a change in TN politics. A mandatory graduate A grade passing from this university is required to even contest elections, in addition to a 5 year public service position. The university should educate the students how not to run the gov like the current TN politicians have done.
Turning Tamil Nadu Assembly and Secretariat into a Nobel laureates' Scientific Research Institute of India - Three Scientists—Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, and Venkatraman 'Venki' Ramakrishnan - from Tamil Nadu have won Nobel Prize for their research work. C.V Raman has won the Nobel Prize for his work on the scattering of light and discovery of its effect (1930). Chandrasekhar has won the Nobel Prize for his work on solving the structure and evolution of the stars (1983). Ramakrishnan has won the Nobel Prize for solving the structure of Ribosomes (2009). Remarkably, no other state from India has this distinction other than Tamil Nadu. This credential not only makes proud of us as Tamilians, but also as Citizens of India. In spite of this laudable credit, neither the Tamil nadu state nor Pondicherry has a top-class Institute for Science & Research. Interestingly, our neighboring states, such as, Karnataka, Kerala and Andra Pradesh have top-class research institutes such as Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National center for Biological Sciences (NCBS/TIFR), Rajiv Gandhi center for Biotechnology (RGCB), and Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), respectively. Obviously, these arguments are in favor of the notion that Tamil Nadu should have a top-class research & educational Institute that matches the research credentials of IISc, NCBS/TIFR, CCMB, & RGCB in the neighboring states. Here comes the question that is posed by the Hindu to its readers. How are we going to utilize the building that was built for the functioning of the Tamil Nadu Assembly and Secretariat? My heartfelt suggestion is: the newly built Tamil Nadu Assembly and Secretariat--with modern facilities--should be turned into a world-class research & educational institution that will make us proud in the generation to come. If the Govt. is passionate about science, then they can try to convert this into a world-class research and education center that matches the credentials of Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, Cambridge, and Oxford universities. This research institute should be named either after the Scientists who won the Nobel Prizes or as Nobel laureates Scientific Research Institute of India.
This complex can be put into multipurpose use thro which it will generate income for the govt.Any private company can be outsourced to do that.
Anna University is one of the premier technical institutes in the country , on par with some of the IITs. I think it would be a good idea for the government to convert this building into a university of Arts / Humanity / Management on par with Anna university on similar lines of IIMs .
Any building desgined for some specific purpose should be used for the same purpose. Otherwise, it is only a compromise requiring modification, alteration demolition etc. to suit the renewed purpose.
Being a responsible citizen of this state I can suggest it is better to give this 99 years lease to IT Companies so that substantial state debt will get cleared .
It is very sad on the part of the hindu for asking Ideas from the public for the effective use of the secretariat building. Here I want to remind you that the present CM Jayalalithaa was quoting in assembly that, "a government office can function in rented areas whereas the Government itself functioning in the rented areas is unacceptable", and moreover she went on to find out the ideal place to build the secretariat and failed miserably in that endeavour.
So the new secretariat should be put into use, for the original intent it was built for. So my idea for this matter is the TN government should use this place as its secretariat.Even if Jaya not doing this, the Supreme Court will do, just alike in the matter of uniform education for all schools(Samacheer Kalvi)
Use this as a training center for training of ministers, MLAS MPs etc and IAS IPS officers . On the job seminars, short term courses, retreats etc . This way the elected officials will get orientation and continuing training to Govt systems,, ethic rules etc. The ruling class will get opportunity to serve the public in a better way considering the nation's interest and may help them to realize the value of being honest
The idea of a govt run medical college along with a multi-speciality hospital or a south-India branch of AIIMS is most appropriate keeping in view its vast structure and big halls. Also, this is the only way it will benefit by each and every section of the society.
Getting suggestions is a good idea, but what next?
Of course you will get many ideas, proposals, concepts etc from far and wide. But it is building and a complex conceived by many brilliant minds and custom designed for a specific purpose - to symbolise the emergence of a modern and contemporary State which is open and accessible to its people and in which the people of the State can be proud. Fort St.George is a part of our colonial history and we must not harp on History. Let us not make decisions of far reaching consequence with contempt and prejudice based on political vendetta. Let all grow out of it and look at the future. One cannot forget the fact that the present Government was looking at several locations on the Marina and elsewhere to locate the secretariat just a few years back. What has changed now? By all means make your enquiries and fix culpability if one finds it but do not throw away a great structure that we can be proud of. Whatever you do, look at its surroundings,its location, the consequences of alternates.
Am surprised to see still The Hindu is trying the smudge the majority appeal of making use of the complex only as legislative assembly by mentioning that at end as the last option. From the comments received for the article it was well clear that most are in favour of using the building for the original purpose only, but still your paper is trying to portray a different picture. Please give that the top priority.
It is nice to see most people coming up with ideas that are democratically palatable. at the same time, it is quite disconcerting to see govts, in the name of PPP (private plunder public?) encourage conversion of several public assets in to private assets, denying access of the same to a large section of population, albeit on lease for a fixed period (say, 30 years? is someone going to covert a 5-star hotel into a low cost housing for the poor after lease period?). with the kind of newspaper i believe yours is, you will mobilize the public opinion against such vested interests (different from manufacturing consent, i hope)
Its really terrible to see this place in such a state, it was once a beautiful place with so many trees ! Politicians go to such an extent to destroy anything, just their names. why wasn't a public vote taken before this project started? As in many countries, Just to cut one tree a circular as to be passed to all the neighbours and a Public vote is taken for any public projects to be undertaken, this system has to be introduced in Tamilnadu as-well. I request The Hindu to consider this and get a public opinion about this voting system.
It is a well conceptualised Building.Kudos to the architects who gave such a beautiful Elevation.The structure is well balanced.There are shades of Indian parliament in it.There is a well designed green cover around it.Let it be used for its purpose.
The building construction should be completed and building should be renamed as Gandhi or another non political leader, and house all government building in one complex. It would be much easier for people to come and have there work done with less pain.
It is amusing to spend a huge fortune of tax payers' money building a colossal building and try to find out to what use this could be put to. The objection to moving the Assembly and Secretariat to the new premises by the present government is that the building is unfinished as yet and functioning in two places would be cumbersome and not for any other reasons. Why would Hindu ask for suggestions from the public, when the present government has not out right rejected the proposal? If there is any objection the same should be investigated by competent authority before thinking in terms of alternate use of the asset created. Penal action needs to be taken, if for any reason the building is flawed for the use of what it was meant for.
The new building is a well planned construction of the previous Govt. Nearly Rs.500 crores has been spent by the Govt. It is spent from tax payers' money and not from any individial or political party's money. Like the Samacheer Education, the present Govt views it with political motivation. Hence the new Govt should change its mind and use the new building for Assembly and Secretriat.
Using the facility for a world class University must be the first consideration.
Please Email the Editor