Extension of ESIC Hospital & Sports Stadium on cards

Ludhiana, August 7, 2024: MP (Rajya Sabha) Sanjeev Arora, on Tuesday, met Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and demanded expansion of ESIC Hospital at Ludhiana and Grant for Construction of Indoor and Outdoor Stadiums in Rural Punjab.

During his meeting, Arora requested the Minister to personally intervene in expediting the upgradation of the ESIC Hospital in Ludhiana. He said being the Member of Parliament from Punjab and a resident of Ludhiana, he has been closely monitoring the progress of this crucial project. He thanked the Minister on funds having sanctioned and disbursed for upgradation, now requesting for expansion to 500-bedded hospital.

Further, Arora apprised the Minister that a structural audit report was a prerequisite for the expansion of the hospital. He said, “While I have maintained regular communication with both the outgoing and current DG ESIC, overseeing this project, I believe that the expansion process has not progressed at a satisfactory pace.”

Arora pointed out that the formulation of this report followed by timely completion of this project is imperative to address the healthcare needs of the insured workers in Ludhiana and the surrounding areas. 

He urged upon the Minister to intervene directly with the DG ESIC to prioritize and expedite this critical initiative.

Arora also requested the Minister for issuing grant for construction of Indoor and Outdoor Stadiums in Rural Punjab. He gave reference to his previous communication dated February 6, 2024 regarding a representation received from Sri Guru Hargobind Ujagar Hari (SGHUH) Trust, Sidhwan Khurd (District Ludhiana). He said SGHUH Trust is a non-profit organization that aims to providing quality education to children from rural pockets of Punjab.

Adding, he sought the Minister’s consideration for granting funds towards the construction of indoor and outdoor stadium of SGHUH Trust. He added the land is being provided by the institution on campus. This initiative, primarily focused on rural belts of Ludhiana District by this Trust, seeks to address this crucial gap by constructing indoor stadiums with an estimated budget of Rs.3 Crores and outdoor stadiums as they already run three girls' colleges and two schools under the management.

He opined out that the lack of proper sporting facilities in rural areas acts as a significant barrier to the development of young talent. Additionally, these stadiums will serve as community hubs, promoting physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the youth. He said there are various Central Government schemes aimed at promoting sports infrastructure development, therefore, he would be grateful if the Minister would consider the request and grant funds under a suitable scheme for financial assistance.

Meanwhile, Arora on Wednesday said the Minister gave a very positive response towards both the demands raised by him. He has also assured of visit to Ludhiana soon.