Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 30: A Maharashtra government committee set up to examine ways of making Mumbai's gymkhanas and clubs more accessible to the public has found that several institutions have violated conditions attached to their lease agreements.

The committee, headed by Rubal Agarwal, met on Friday to review inspection reports prepared by revenue department officials on gymkhanas and clubs located on government land across Mumbai. Representatives of more than a dozen gymkhanas were also heard during the meeting.

The review assumes significance amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Delhi Gymkhana Club, with several colonial-era gymkhanas in Mumbai occupying prime public land.

According to the committee's findings, many gymkhanas were hosting weddings and commercial events on their premises beyond the permitted limit of 45 days annually. The panel also noted that several institutions had failed to create online portals displaying bookings for weddings and other events, as well as information on days when sports grounds were unavailable for sporting activities.

The committee further observed that most gymkhanas and clubs had not provided memberships to Maharashtra-based sportspersons who had represented the state, nation or international competitions. Such memberships are mandated under the Maharashtra government's gymkhana lease policy introduced in July 2025.

In addition, some gymkhanas were found to have failed to comply with lease conditions relating to service memberships that are required to be provided to senior government officials.

Agarwal said the committee would hold another meeting before submitting its recommendations to the Maharashtra revenue department next month.

The panel was constituted in February to suggest measures aimed at improving public access to gymkhanas and clubs operating on government-owned land in Mumbai.