BENGALURU: It was built at a hefty investment to keep our legislators fit and healthy, but just a handful of them are using the well-equipped health club at the Legislators’ Home in the city.In the last six months, just three legislators from the city have used the club, and a mere 74 from all over the state.
Facilities
The club, built in 1997 for the use of MLAs and MLCs including former legislators, offers facilities like treadmills, exercise cycles, 12 multi-gym stations, weight-lifting equipment, dumb-bells, an abdomen bed and a vibrator belt. It has a steam-bath, a sauna, and a jacuzzi, and also offers massage services. Eleven staff members, consisting of eight masseurs/trainers and three administrative staff, cater to the health needs of the visiting legislators.
‘Of No Use’
“It is a pity that a large amount of money has been spent on it, while it has no use,” said MLC Basavaraj Horatti, who is one of the few who use it occasionally. He said while sports material is being bought regularly, staff quality is not up to the mark.
“There is no trained coach, and the employees have irregular working hours,” he said.
According to sources, most of the legislators have enrolled themselves at other private health clubs, and officials say it is mostly used when there are meetings and sessions at the Vidhana Soudha. Otherwise, only five to six legislators use it in a day, they said.
Among the ministers, Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda has been a frequent visitor, and among legislators, Anand S Mamani is the most frequent, followed by Raju Alaguru and C S Shivalli (all MLAs).
Former Member of Legislative Council Mukhyamantri Chandru and Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree are the other regulars.
Incidentally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has not used it even once in the last six months.
Speaking to Express, Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah, who has used the club in the past, said, “The low turnout is probably because of the fact that there has been no session in the city in the last six months. I make it a point to visit it every time I am in Bengaluru. However, 74 is a small number, and is not healthy.”
Chikkamagaluru MLA and former minister CT Ravi said he stayed in the LH for seven-and-a-half years, when he was a regular at the club.
“However, now since I have private accommodation, I do not go there anymore, and instead, rely on walks and yoga. It depends on one’s habits. If they are health conscious, then they will use the facility, though they have several other options to keep fit,” he further added.
MLC Maritibbe Gowda said, “I have started using the facility only recently after a heart operation...The facilities at the club are very good, but I really have no idea why it is not used much.”