`113 crore convention center stuck for `13 cr!

Nagpur, Oct 31

The work of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Center is stuck due to `13 crores. So far `100 crores have been spent on this project the total cost of which is pegged at `113 crore. But as the government has not released further amount, the remaining work is still not done.

There was a need of an international convention centre for a city like Nagpur, which is being developed as a ‘Smart City’ and hence the Dr Ambedkar Convention Center was proposed. The project was approved due to efforts of citizens and public representatives of North Nagpur.

The project is being built on 7,500 square meter land of NIT on Kamptee Road. The project was incorporated in 2009 under Vidarbha Development Program. Cabinet approval for this was received on 11 September 2014. Economic provisions were made. A budget of `110.74 crore was approved through a government circular. On March 14, 2011, a grant of `22 crore was approved. The remaining amount of `91.74 crores was handed over to NIT. The Bhumi Pujan was performed on October 1, 2013 by former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan.

Later, funds crisis happened and the work progressed in slow pace. Currently finishing and furniture work in remaining. Out of `113 crore rupees, 100 crores rupees have been spent. But at the government has not yet approved `13 crore and hence the work is stuck.

Details of convention center

- The convention center is being developed as the shape of the Parliament House.

- There will be international level library here

- People doing research on Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar across the world will be given special attention

- An art gallery will be made for artists

- A research center is also planned