The Ghaziabad district administration has made police verification mandatory for all trainers, coaches, and instructors working in gyms and fitness centers. All trainers and coaches are now required to carry their identity cards while on duty. This step aims to ensure better security and enhance accountability and transparency, officials said.
Mandatory Police Verification
Additional District Magistrate (City) Vikas Kashyap stated that no trainer or coach will be allowed to work in any gym or fitness facility without completing the police verification process. “The mandatory background checks will help create a safer environment for members and reduce the risk of misconduct or criminal activity within such establishments, especially for women,” the ADM said.
Identity Card Requirements
The ID cards must include the individual’s real name, permanent residential address, mobile number, photograph, and other relevant details. “These cards will be considered valid only after being verified by the competent authority,” an official said.
Trainer Reactions
Trainers that TOI spoke to were in support of police verification, but some raised objections against carrying an identity card. “Most often, people who have been going to the gym end up becoming gym instructors. They have no knowledge of the anatomy and end up wrongly training people, which also leads to injuries,” said Risabh Prajapati, a gym trainer for seven years at F1 Fitness. Calling it a “hassle,” he added, “When the police verification is already being ensured, roaming around with IDs seems unnecessary.”
Rajeev Dhama, owner of Vaishali-based Fitness Headquarters, said that a verification drive was already being carried out at his gym, but a continuous set of guidelines adds more burden. “The profit share has gone down as competition in this market has increased. Equipment has also become expensive now. We wish for better coordination and support from the government in return,” Dhama said.
Additional Measures for Gym Owners
Owners of gyms and fitness centers have also been directed to install an adequate number of CCTV cameras on their premises. The surveillance systems will help monitor activities inside fitness facilities, deter unlawful behavior, and provide evidence in case of complaints or disputes, officials said.
Gym operators have also been directed to prominently display information related to women’s safety helplines and grievance redressal mechanisms at visible locations within their establishments. “Easy access to such information is expected to encourage timely reporting of complaints and contribute to a safer atmosphere for members. Gyms and fitness centers that have not yet obtained the necessary registration certificates have been asked to complete all formalities and secure registration without delay,” the official said.
Deadline and Inspections
Operators were given a seven-day deadline to implement all the prescribed measures, following which officials will conduct surprise inspections. Any violations or deficiencies found during inspections will attract action under applicable rules and regulations, with responsibility resting entirely on the concerned establishment, they added.
