Afghan Parliament building cost Rs 969 crore, ex-post facto nod by Cabinet

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet today gave its ex-post facto approval for revised cost of Rs 969 crore for the Afghan Parliament building in Kabul which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month during his visit to the war-ravaged country.

India built the Afghan Parliament as part of its efforts in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of that country. The project is a visible symbol of India's contribution to strengthening and rebuilding democracy in Afghanistan.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, gave its ex-post facto approval for completion of the Afghan Parliament building in Kabul by December 31 at a revised project cost of Rs 969 crore, said an official release.

The construction of Afghan Parliament building has been completed under India-Afghanistan development cooperation and minor touch-up works, including parts of sound system and furniture are now being undertaken, the release said.

It said the Parliament building will be handed over to the Afghan authorities by March 31.

India has invested $2 billion in aid and reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Modi had addressed the Members of Meshrano Jirga (Upper House) and Wolesi Jirga (House of the People) after inaugurating the building during which he had complimented people of Afghanistan and their elected representatives on consolidation of democracy in the country.