Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi and Deputy Deputy Leader Arvind Bellad visited the gymnasium built on May 5, 2025 in Lohiya Nagar, Hubballi. Image source: Kiran Bakale
Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi directed officials to complete all work related to the International Standard Sports Complex built in Karnataka within five months, to acquire it for Rs 1.8 crore.
On May 5, Pralhad Joshi reviewed progress in the work of the Lohiya Nagar Stadium in Hubballi. He was accompanied by Mayor Ramanna Badiger, Deputy Mayor Durgamma Bijawad, Deputy Opposition Leader and Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali, the Legislative Assembly Deputy Leader of Arvind Bellad.
Speaking to people in the press, Mr. Pralhad Joshi said that although the Smart City Programme officials had promised to complete the work within the next two months, he told them that it would take five months, but that all the work was done in the period without failing.
The union minister said the international standard sports complex was inspired by the sports village of Jharkhand. “But the maintenance of the gym is a huge challenge,” he said. “MLA Arvind Bellad and I have spoken with several companies about the maintenance of the gym. We plan to choose a company with expertise in training athletes in international events.”
Mr Josh said the facility will be available for free to athletes in regions participating in national and international events. They are also considering providing facilities for other players with nominal charges.
The Union Minister said he was disappointed with the implementation of the Twin Cities Smart Cities work, which had a total cost of over Rs 9 billion, and said he would soon call a progress review meeting.
He said: “I am dissatisfied with various projects under the Smart City Program, including Tonacre, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Green Mobility Corridor and Roads. The indifference of Karnataka government officials, who are responsible for the execution of the work, is the reason for the regretful state of the situation.”
Although March 31 is the deadline for implementation under the Smart City Program, several projects will take time to complete, he added that they will ask the Karnataka government to continue the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is constructed for this purpose.
Mr Josh said it would take about Rs 6 billion to build the hotel and recruit coaches and coaches for various sports and games. The plan is to ask the Karnataka government to expand financial aid.
publishing – May 5, 2025 at 05:02 pm ist
