Coming soon: Gyms in govt offices with trained instructor

The Narendra Modi regime wants its employees to be fitter so that they can deliver better results. On Labour Day, the Centre ordered all its offices across the country to set up indoor and open gymnasiums.

Employees will be able to use the facilities after office hours and experienced gym instructors will also be appointed to guide them and teach them how to use the equipment.

“Healthy employees are happy employees. A positive and energetic work force collaborates better and is more appealing to all stake-holders,” says the government order explaining the motto behind promotion of the gyms.

The Department of Personnel and Training has offered a one-time grant of Rs 5 lakh for offices with less than 500 employees and Rs 10 lakh in the larger offices to set up the gyms. In a scheme circulated to all ministries and departments, the DoPT said the gyms will help the employees to overcome the sedentary behaviour of sitting in chair for hours that has many detrimental effects, including the likelihood of developing illnesses.

The circular also lays down the equipment to be bought and their price ceiling — treadmill up to Rs 1 lakh, multi-gym of 4 stations up to Rs 1.50 lakh, recumbent bike Rs 90,000, cross trainer Rs 70,000, flat, inclined & decline benches (Rs 60,000), hydraulic steppers Rs 10,000 and dumbbell sets with rack of 2 to 15 kg worth Rs 40,000.

The circular says at least 500 sq feet of carpet area will be required for setting up a gym for up to 1,000 employees and 1,000 sq feet for more than 1,000 employees. The place should be clean, well-lit, ventilated, with fans or ACs and clean toilets.