Lucknow, July 3: The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh took a major decision regarding the Jai Prakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) project in the cabinet meeting on Thursday. Project JPNIC, 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 for the operation of the project was dissolved. The Yogi government has given the responsibility of completing this project, its maintenance and operation to the LDA.
JPNIC Society Dissolved The cabinet has decided to dissolve the JPNIC Society and transfer the project to LDA as it is. Now LDA will not only operate this center, but will also take 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 821.74 crores, condition to be repaid in 30 years The cabinet also decided that the amount of Rs 821.74 crore released by the government till now for the JPNIC project will be considered as a loan transferred in favor 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 becomes available to the public.
JPNIC will be equipped with world-class facilities A modern and world-class center is being developed in Lucknow under the JPNIC project. It will have a state-level auditorium, convention center, 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 center.
The project surrounded by corruption allegations 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. Serious allegations like getting work done without tender and unnecessary increase in cost were revealed in the CAG report. Now the Yogi government is taking steps towards completing it through LDA.
Will be operated with private participation LDA has been given the right 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. 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.