Governance – Delhi Gymkhana Employees Face Uncertainty Over Centre’s Eviction Order

Governance –  Employees at the Delhi Gymkhana Club are facing growing uncertainty after the Central government directed the historic institution to vacate its premises by June 5. The development has triggered concern among hundreds of workers who fear the sudden loss of jobs and financial security after spending decades serving one of the capital’s most well-known social clubs.

Workers Fear Impact on Livelihoods

Staff members associated with the club said anxiety has spread rapidly since news of the government order emerged over the weekend. Employees are reportedly worried about their future employment prospects and the effect the move could have on their families.

Nandan Singh Negi, president of the Gymkhana Employee Welfare Association, said workers were informed about the proposed takeover on Saturday. According to him, employees immediately began seeking answers regarding their future.

Negi stated that several workers have approached the association with concerns over where they would go if the club shuts operations at the current location. Many employees, he added, have spent most of their professional lives working at the institution and now fear losing a stable source of income.

Long-Serving Employees Express Concern

Among those affected are workers who have dedicated several decades to the club. Ramesh, an employee who has reportedly worked there for more than 35 years, said the uncertainty has deeply affected staff members.

He explained that a large section of the workforce has limited employment options because of their age and long-term association with the club. According to him, some employees have spent more than three decades at the institution, while others have worked there for over a decade.

Ramesh said many workers are now worried about meeting household expenses and supporting their families if operations are disrupted. He also pointed out that finding fresh employment at this stage of life could be extremely difficult for older employees.

Staff Gathered Seeking Clarity

On Sunday, several employees gathered inside the club premises to discuss the situation and seek information about the next steps. Workers from different departments reportedly expressed concern about both employment and accommodation issues.

A housekeeping staff member said the possibility of losing both her workplace and residence within a short period had left her emotionally distressed. Employees are now awaiting further communication from the management and authorities regarding the future of the institution.

Club Management Preparing Legal Response

Retired Lieutenant General P.K. Sehgal, who has been associated with the Delhi Gymkhana Club since 1972, said the institution employs nearly 600 workers. He confirmed that the club committee held discussions after receiving the official notice from the government.

According to Sehgal, members of the management committee have decided to challenge the order legally. The move is expected to be contested in court in the coming days.

The Delhi Gymkhana Club, situated on Safdarjung Road in Lutyens’ Delhi, has long functioned as a social and sporting institution. The property was originally leased for that purpose.

Centre Cites Institutional Requirement

In its order dated May 22, the Land and Development Office stated that the land is required for institutional and governance-related use. Based on this requirement, authorities directed the club to vacate the premises by June 5.

The order has now become the centre of a growing dispute between the authorities and club members, with concerns extending beyond property issues to the livelihoods of hundreds of employees linked to the institution.

Members Begin Signature Campaign

Club members on Sunday also initiated a signature drive to formally authorise legal action against the Centre’s directive. Retired Brigadier Bedi said members signed authorisation documents supporting the decision to move court.

According to him, the legal petition challenging the order is expected to be filed on Monday. Members hope the court proceedings will provide clarity on the future of the club and protection for employees affected by the decision.