The Government of Manipur has officially constituted a Monitoring and Supervision Committee to oversee the reconstruction and restoration of the historic Manipur Rajbari (Red Land Building) in Shillong, Meghalaya — a landmark site closely tied to the State’s political and cultural history.
According to the order issued by the Secretariat: MAHUD Department (vide No. Const-103/2/2025-MAHUD-MAHUD, dated October 13, 2025), the committee has been formed with the approval of the Governor of Manipur to monitor, oversee, coordinate, and ensure quality and heritage compliance throughout the restoration process.
Committee Composition
The committee will function under the chairmanship of Shri Ngagnom Uttam Singh, Director, MAHUD, Manipur.
The other members include:
| Sl. No. | Name & Designation | Position in Committee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shri Ngagnom Uttam Singh, Director (MAHUD), Manipur | Chairman |
| 2 | Smt. Sunanda Thokchom, Deputy Secretary (Art & Culture), Government of Manipur | Member Secretary |
| 3 | Smt. Clara Koshoni Phimu, Deputy Secretary (GAD), Government of Manipur | Member |
| 4 | Shri K. Shaikhanta Sharma, Superintendent (Archaeology), Manipur | Member |
| 5 | Shri Ngagnom Dilip Meitei, Executive Engineer-I, PDA, Manipur | Member |
The committee will supervise the project’s progress in accordance with the Terms of Reference (ToR) enclosed with the order, ensuring timely and heritage-sensitive execution of the reconstruction work.
Objective and Scope
The Committee has been tasked to:
Monitor and supervise all restoration and reconstruction works at the Rajbari site.
Coordinate with stakeholders, including government departments and cultural agencies.
Ensure quality control, heritage preservation, and structural authenticity during the project’s execution.
Submit periodic progress reports to the Government for review and accountability.
Officials stated that the formation of the committee reflects the State Government’s commitment to protecting and restoring heritage structures that define Manipur’s historical and cultural identity.
“The reconstruction of Manipur Rajbari is not merely a physical restoration — it is a tribute to our State’s political heritage and collective memory,” a senior government official said.
Historical Significance
The Manipur Rajbari, also known as the Red Land Building, holds deep historical importance as it was the site where Maharajah Bodhachandra Singh signed the Merger Agreement with the Union of India on September 21, 1949.
Over the years, the structure fell into neglect, prompting calls from historians, political figures, and civil society for its preservation and restoration.
The Government’s latest initiative marks a decisive step toward reclaiming and preserving this historic landmark, which stands as a reminder of Manipur’s political journey and cultural resilience.
Way Forward
The newly formed committee will begin its supervisory work immediately and coordinate with relevant departments, including Art & Culture, Archaeology, and Public Works, to ensure a transparent and timely restoration process.
The Manipur Rajbari Restoration Project is expected to serve as a model for heritage preservation in the Northeast, combining historical accuracy, modern conservation standards, and institutional accountability.
