Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Maharashtra government is preparing to inspect nearly 10 gymkhanas located on government land along Mumbai’s Marine Drive, with the Urban Development Department set to review lease agreements, rent payments, compliance with regulations, and commercial events hosted on the premises.
The move comes shortly after the Centre ordered the Delhi Gymkhana Club to hand over its premises by June 5 to “strengthen and secure defence infrastructure” and for other public security purposes.
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TOP GYMKHANAS UNDER SCANNER
Among the prominent clubs likely to come under scrutiny are the Parsi Gymkhana, Islam Gymkhana, Hindu Gymkhana, Jain Gymkhana, Police Gymkhana and Catholic Gymkhana. These institutions were originally allotted government land between 1890 and 1891, and their leases were renewed for another 30 years after 2017.
Under the current lease conditions, each gymkhana pays annual rent of around Rs 15 lakh, with a 4 per cent increase every year. They are also required to pay Rs 1 lakh to the government for every commercial event organised on their grounds.
There are around 10 such gymkhanas on government land in Mumbai, and the state government gets around Rs two crore from them annually towards rent charges, the official told PTI.
‘GYMKHANAS ADHERING TO RULES’
Responding to the latest development, Yusuf Abrahani, president of the Islam Gymkhana, told India Today that the club had not received any fresh notice from the government.
He said routine inspections related to rent payments, event permissions and compliance with rules are conducted periodically, adding that the Islam Gymkhana has regularly paid rent and followed government regulations since 1891.
“The Maharashtra government and the local collector’s office have been cooperative. The gymkhanas are not facing any sort of harassment or disputes with the authorities,” Abrahani said.
He maintained that all the clubs were adhering to the conditions laid down in their lease agreements and said the situation involving the Delhi Gymkhana was “completely different”.
The gymkhana trusts have assured full cooperation with any inspection carried out by the government. However, depending on the findings, the clubs could face further action.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
