BENGALURU: The health club at the Legislator’s Home (LH) near Vidhana Soudha has hardly witnessed any activity. This structure was built in 1997 for the use of MLAs and MLCs (including former legislators).
A paltry three legislators/ministers from the city have made use of this facility in the last six months. In all, 74 legislators from across the state have use the health club since June 1, 2014.
The club is equipped with facilities like four treadmills, two exercise cycles, 12 multi-gym stations, weight lifting equipment, dumb-bells, an abdomen bed and a vibrator belt. The facility is also equipped with a steam-bath, a sauna, and a jacuzzi, while it also offers massage services. However, according to the authorities concerned, only five-six legislators use it in a day.
The club also has a 11 member staff who cater to the health needs of legislators, consisting of eight masseurs/trainers and three administrative staff. Though all these facilities are offered, the facility has still remained underutilised.
According to sources, most of the legislators have enrolled themselves at other private health clubs, due to which, the one at the LH is lying unused. Officials say that the facility is mostly used when there are meetings and sessions at the Vidhana Soudha, when legislators from other districts visit the city. “Since we have rooms, they (legislators) stay here, and in the course of their stay, the health club is used,” an official said.
Among the ministers, Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda has been a frequent visitor to the health club. Coming to legislators, Anand S Mamani is the most frequent, followed by Raju Alaguru and C S Shivalli (all MLAs).
Incidentally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not even used the facility for once in the last six months. However, most of the legislators who use the facility, do so only once or twice, after which they go missing for a while. “They come back again, when there is a meeting, due to which, it is difficult to say who uses the facility the most,” the official added.
‘Of No Use’
MLC Basavaraj Horatti opined that the health club is not serving its purpose at all. When contacted, he said, “The facility is of no use at all. Staff quality is not up to the mark. There is an absence of a trained coach, while the employees have irregular working hours. Another issue is that sports material is being bought regularly, while there is nobody to use it. However, whenever I am in the city, I make it a point to go for a walk, after which, I exercise at the health club for a short duration. It is a pity that a large amount of money has been spent on it.” he said.