A Maharashtra government committee formed in February to propose measures for making Mumbai's gymkhanas and clubs more accessible to citizens has identified multiple violations of lease conditions by several gymkhanas. The panel, led by Konkan divisional commissioner Rubal Agarwal, convened on Friday to review inspection reports of all gymkhanas and clubs situated on government land in the city. These inspections were conducted by revenue department officials. The committee also provided a hearing to representatives from over a dozen gymkhanas.
Context of the Meeting
The meeting is considered significant in light of the ongoing Delhi Gymkhana Club controversy, as colonial-era gymkhanas occupy prime public land in Mumbai. The committee's findings highlight systemic non-compliance with lease terms.
Key Violations Identified
- Excessive Commercial Events: Many gymkhanas were hosting weddings and commercial events on their premises for more than the permitted limit of 45 days per year.
- Lack of Online Booking Portal: Gymkhanas failed to create an online portal to display wedding bookings and days when grounds were unavailable for sports.
- Non-Compliance with Membership Conditions: Most gymkhanas and clubs had not granted memberships to Maharashtra-based sports personalities who had represented the state, national, or international levels, as required by the state government's gymkhana lease policy of July 2025.
- Service Membership Defaults: Some gymkhanas did not adhere to lease terms regarding service membership to be provided to senior officials.
Next Steps
Agarwal stated that the committee will reconvene and submit its recommendations to the state revenue department next month. The panel's findings are expected to lead to stricter enforcement of lease conditions and potential penalties for violators.
