Tuesday, 30 APRIL 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The construction involving 23 mini-stadiums across the State has not yet begun due to the model code of conduct for LS election remaining in force.
Stating this, the deputy director of the State youth welfare department and Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD), S K Jairaj said that in 2021, the State government had directed his department to construct approximately 95 mini stadiums in every block of each district across the State. “Construction work began in 2022 and while work involving 60 stadiums was completed in February this year the same for 12 stadiums is in progress,” he said.
“But the construction of the remaining 23 mini stadiums- scheduled to begin in March-could not be started owing to the enforcement of MCC and delays in budget allocation. The State administration approved a budget of Rs 15 crore for these mini stadiums out of the Rs 20 crore we asked for, but the allotted funds have not yet been disbursed to the department. The department will see to it that the construction work involving these 23 stadiums commences in June,” he added.
Jairaj further added that if there is additional requirement of funds the department would inform the State administration in August/ September.
To recall, Jairaj had noted earlier that approximately Rs one crore was needed for construction of each mini stadium while for those in the mountainous regions, the requirement might be ranging from Rs three to four crores. He had attributed the requirement of more funds for mini stadium construction in the hills than in the plains to the cutting work among others that involved engagement of more labourers entailing more costs.
