November 20, 2019
Saugata Roy speaks about the Centre’s plans to redevelop Delhi’s Central Vista
FULL TRANSCRIPT
Sir, thank you for allowing me to speak under Rule 377 on a matter of public importance. The Government of India has selected a Gujarat-Ahmedabad based firm to redevelop the Parliament and Central Vista. Indeed an upgradation and adoption through contemporary way is coveted, owing to the problems regarding accommodation as well as subsequent space addition. This building in independent India reflects the ascent of position in the eye of every responsible citizen of this country.
The decision to appoint architectural firm HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited led by architect Bimal Patel has already been announced prior to a proper architectural debate or public consideration. International project demanded an open International competition headed by eminent International jury team to evaluate maximum possibilities and expose the project to create an intellectual solution.
However what we have at hand is a call for a bid where the participants firms are bound by Rs 20 crore turnover – a criterion which disbars maximum architectural firms from even showcasing their vision. The competition received only 6 bids from all over India and the winner HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited was announced. Moreover, the competition programme included 20% weightage on financial bid for a consultancy fee, which is a complete disgrace to the project of such a nature.
Estimated project cost is Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 12,500 crore according to various newspapers. The consultancy fee of Rs 229.75 crore. The yardstick for selection should have been creativity, instead of corporate. It seems that the competition was not headed by an eminent group of jurors. A solitary decision by one person – the Director School of Planning and Architecture – is definitely not what the new India deserves.
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