Last year, the government of India had asked all ministries to open gymnasiums at their premises to for government officials. Under the policy, ministries with up to 1000 employees should provide at least 500 square feet, and for ministries which have the greater number of employees, space is doubled. But only five central ministries of the nearly 90 in Delhi have claimed funds for the same. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has written to all ministries that the funds under the pension were still available, and they could claim the same by October 6.

Apparently, the department of personnel and training (DoPT), industrial policy and promotion (DIPP), food and public distribution, the Ministry of Culture, and the Defence Research and Development Organization have claimed the funds.

The problem apparently is the lack of space. The other issue is that the fund that is available to the ministries is only to buy the gym equipment, and the ministries are expected to free up the already scarce office space. The policy also specifies the amount of money which can be spent on buying the gym equipment.

Also, the use of facilities will only be allowed after office hours, as stated in the policy. The gym premises must also have proper ventilation, lighting, fans and ACs. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, has also asked for a separate slot in the gym for women.