Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has sought a detailed report from the Chandigarh Administration over the reported auction of heritage furniture from the MLA Hostel in the United States.
A high-level meeting was held with concerned authorities to ascertain the custodian of the heritage items. Taking serious note of the matter, the Speaker said strict accountability will be fixed, and action will be taken against those responsible.
The move follows media reports that a pair of heritage chairs and a set of four low stools from the Punjab MLA Hostel in Chandigarh were auctioned in Chicago on June 4 for 72,720 US dollars, amounting to over 59 lakh rupees, allegedly without the knowledge of the government.
These furniture items were originally designed by renowned architects Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret during the planning and construction of Chandigarh. The issue has raised concerns over the handling and protection of the city’s architectural heritage.