The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the proposal to dissolve the society formed for the Jayaprakash Narayan International Center (JPNIC) project. This decision includes passing the reins to the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). This decision was made in the cabinet meeting held on Thursday, presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
After the cabinet meeting, State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna announced, "The previously formed JPNIC Society will be dissolved, and its current form will be transferred to the Lucknow Development Authority. The LDA will now be tasked with the project's completion, operation, and maintenance."
Also Read: Bringing along a statue and a garland, Akhilesh paid homage in the middle of the street, causing an uproar over JPNIC in Lucknow
Khanna stated that in accordance with the decision, the total of 821.74 crore rupees granted by the state for the JPNIC project to date will be treated as a loan to the LDA, to be repaid over 30 years.
The cabinet authorized the LDA to develop processes and conditions for completing the project and managing its operation and maintenance through private players. The authority has also been granted the power to dissolve the society and terminate its membership. The JPNIC project includes the construction of a state-level auditorium, a convention center, a modern sports complex, multipurpose sports courts, and a multi-level parking facility for about 750 four-wheelers.
Also Read: Akhilesh insists on visiting JPNIC in Lucknow, female police with RAF deployed, chaos ensues as entry is denied
It should be noted that former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's dream project was stalled after Yogi Adityanath's government came to power in the state in 2017. Allegations of corruption led to an investigation, and since then, the project has been in limbo. The center was envisioned as a world-class conference, culture, sports, and museum complex dedicated to Congress leader-turned-rebel Jayaprakash Narayan. Last October 11, on Narayan's birthday, Akhilesh's plan to pay tribute to the socialist leader failed when the government erected tin sheds at the center's gates.
Also Read: Dhirendra Shastri responds to Akhilesh Yadav! Controversy erupts over 'undertable fees'
Akhilesh was forced to place a garland on Narayan's picture outside on the street, denouncing the government's actions as "dirty politics" aimed at tarnishing the SP's legacy. In 2023, Akhilesh climbed the closed gate of the center to garland Narayan's statue, known as Loknayak.
Speaking on today's cabinet decision, SP leader Akhilesh Yadav commented that handing over JPNIC to LDA would make it easy to reclaim and then effortlessly sell it. Overall, he did not appear pleased with Yogi's government's decision.
