Nagpur: The state govt on Wednesday told the legislative assembly that the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre in Nagpur, built at a cost of Rs140 crore, is largely operational, with all major facilities in use. It added that the 40ft statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on the premises is about 75% complete and is expected to be ready within two months.Social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat said the auditorium, banquet hall, conference and training halls, dormitory, guest rooms, mini conference hall, and reading room are fully functional. He also stated that there has been no public dissatisfaction regarding the centre’s operations.Raising concerns, Nagpur North MLA Nitin Raut sought clarity on non-functional facilities, including a proposed bank branch, canteen, and commercial units. He also questioned the delay in completing the statue and asked whether a dedicated maintenance budget had been provisioned.Shirsat said 17 banks were invited through public notices and direct communication to set up a branch at the centre, but none came forward. The govt is now planning to reinitiate the allotment process for the bank space, canteen, and commercial units on a rental basis.On maintenance, he said operational costs are being met through revenue generated from hall rentals, supplemented by govt funds allocated in 2023–24. Electricity and upkeep expenses are being managed through this combined mechanism.
