Lucknow: The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh took an important decision regarding the Jai Prakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) project in the cabinet meeting on Thursday. The JPNIC project, which fell prey to corruption on a large scale during the SP government, has now been handed over to the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). Along with this, the JPNIC Society formed to run the project has been dissolved. The Yogi government has given the responsibility of completing this project, its maintenance and operation to the LDA, so that this center can become useful for the public.

The cabinet has decided to dissolve the JPNIC Society and transfer the project to LDA as it is. Now LDA will not only operate the centre but will also carry forward the process of its maintenance and completion. LDA has been fully authorized to operate the project through private participation, decide the process and conditions, terminate the membership of the society and other ancillary works. This step is a big step towards using the project in the public interest in a transparent and efficient manner.

Loan of Rs 821.74 crore, condition to be repaid in 30 years

The cabinet also decided that the amount of Rs 821.74 crore released so far by the government for the JPNIC project will be treated as a loan transferred in favour of LDA. LDA will have to repay this amount in the next 30 years. This arrangement will ensure that the financial burden for the operation and maintenance of the project is handled in a systematic manner, as well as the project is made available to the public.

JPNIC will be equipped with world class facilities

Under the JPNIC project, a modern and world-class centre is being developed in Lucknow. It will have a state-level auditorium, convention centre, world-class sports complex and multipurpose sports court. Apart from this, multi-level parking facility for 750 four-wheelers will also be available. These facilities will be open to the public, so that the citizens of Lucknow will get the benefit of a modern and multi-purpose centre.

The project was surrounded by allegations of corruption

JPNIC, which was started by the SP government in 2013, was surrounded by corruption allegations from the very beginning. After the Yogi government came to power in 2017, an investigation into irregularities in the project began, due to which the construction work was stopped. The CAG report revealed serious allegations like work being done without tender and unnecessary increase in cost. Despite spending more than Rs 860 crore, the project remained incomplete, which the Yogi government is now taking steps to complete through LDA.

will be conducted with private participation

LDA has been given the authority to operate the project through private participation. Under this, private agencies will be involved through Request for Proposal (REF) and lease or revenue sharing model. This will not only complete the remaining work of the project, but will also ensure its maintenance and operation without additional government expenditure. This model will play an important role in making the project self-reliant and useful for the public.

JPNIC will be open for public

This decision of the Yogi government is an important step towards opening JPNIC to the public. This center, which has been closed for the last eight years, will now be operated on the lines of Indira Gandhi Pratishthan under the leadership of LDA. This center will emerge as an important cultural, sports and conference center not only for Lucknow but for the entire Uttar Pradesh. This step of the government is a positive effort towards giving new life to this project tainted by the alleged corruption of the SP government. 

-With agency input