ARAI Testing Centre to be established in Mandya in Karnataka
ARAI Testing Centre to be established in Mandya in Karnataka
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel Shri. H.D. Kumaraswamy has said that efforts to bring industries to the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency in Karnataka are progressing steadily, and that the process to establish an Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) testing centre in the district is currently underway. He stated that once the land allotment letter is formally received, a team of experts from the Centre will visit Mandya to conduct an inspection of the proposed site.
The Union Minister was speaking at a public programme after performing the foundation-laying ceremony for a ₹14-crore indoor sports complex at VC Farm in Mandya. “I have given my word, and I will keep it,” Kumaraswamy said, adding that work related to the ARAI testing centre is moving quickly at the Delhi level, and the necessary steps are being taken to bring the project to Mandya.
He noted that the demand for a well-equipped indoor sports complex in Mandya had been pending for a long time. “We have now fulfilled that commitment. The foundation stone has been laid, and construction will begin very soon. The work will also be completed at the earliest,” the Union Minister said. Kumaraswamy expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya for approving the indoor stadium under the Khelo India scheme following his request.
“Responding to my request, they sanctioned the stadium for Mandya district in Karnataka under the Khelo India initiative. I will always remember the concern they have shown towards the development of this region,” he said.
The Union Minister also appreciated the support extended by several companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Organisations including TVS, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) under the Ministry of Steel, Infosys, Hinduja Group, and HMT contributed to the initiative.
Through these CSR contributions, electric vehicles were distributed to over 388 specially-abled persons with disabilities, desktops and laptops were provided to around 600 schools in Mandya, and a fully equipped ambulance was presented to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS). “The corporate sector has shown commendable social responsibility through these initiatives,” Kumaraswamy remarked.
He further said that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving the highest priority to youth empowerment. According to him, the Prime Minister regularly provides guidance during Cabinet meetings on initiatives aimed at the welfare and development of young people.
“These directions are being effectively implemented by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya,” he added.
Kumaraswamy also said that several development programmes are being brought to Mandya. Under CSR funding, 96 schools have already received grants for renovation.
He assured the people that their expectations would not be disappointed and that industrial development in Mandya district is being actively pursued through his ministry.
“The ARAI unit will be established here, and once it comes up, it will create employment opportunities not only for the youth of Mandya but also for those in neighbouring districts,” he said.