The second foundation stone was laid again by late Parrikar on February 25, 2013 when Rohan Khaunte was MLA of Porvorim constituency, and the project was estimated to cost Rs 34.5 crore. After completion, the cost of the project has now escalated to Rs 58 crore.
After the Porvorim Gymkhana was inaugurated, residents of Porvorim constituency decried the fees levied by the GSIDC. Some of the fees included Badminton (individual membership of Rs 708 per month and Rs 240 per hour), swimming pool (membership of Rs 708 per month and Rs 120 per hour, coaching of Rs 1180 per month), Table Tennis (membership of Rs 1,180 per month and Rs 240 per hour, coaching of Rs 472 per month) and Tennis - floodlit (membership of Rs 1480 per month and Rs 300 per hour, coaching of Rs 2950).
Former sarpanch of Salvador do Mundo Sanjeev Naik remarked that Porvorim Gymkhana was built with public funds and promoted as landmark facility for youth and people of Porvorim constituency and neighbouring villages.
“The Porvorim Gymkhana has been finally ready, only for the community to face a sudden and shocking fee schedule for residents of Porvorim constituency,” said Naik.
“Land was donated by Socorro Communidade for sports and recreational facilities to be developed for Socorro free of cost. The fee structure is beyond the means of economically weaker sections of society.”
Journalist Oswald Pinto mentioned that fees fixed are very expensive.
“The government should think about the youth of economically weaker sections of society who desires to utilise sports facilities. Porvorim Gymkhana has not been built by a private club. The State government should give concession to the economically weaker section of youth from Porvorim constituency,” said Pinto.
When contacted, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte explained that the cost to maintain Porvorim Gymkhana is very high.
“The sports facilities at Porvorim Gymkhana is of national/international quality. After considering all aspects, it was decided to invite tenders from professional companies to look after its maintenance,” said Khaunte.
“Accordingly, tenders were floated and the maintenance responsibility was entrusted to a professional company. The chief minister has already announced that fees of youth from Socorro who want to play for National Games and desire to utilise the sports facilities at Porvorim Gymkhana will be borne by the government,” said Khaunte.
