Hundreds of employees at the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club are facing an uncertain future after the Central Government directed the institution to hand over its premises by June 5. The move has triggered anxiety among workers, many of whom have spent decades serving one of New Delhi’s most prestigious social and sporting clubs.
The development came after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, through its Land and Development Office, issued an order seeking the resumption of the land on which the club stands. According to the government, the property is located in a strategically important zone and is required for institutional, governance, and public security-related purposes. The order has instructed the club to surrender possession of the land and all associated structures within the specified timeline.
For employees, however, the announcement has raised serious concerns about employment, financial security, and their future livelihoods. Staff members say they were informed of the government’s decision only recently, leaving many shocked and worried about what lies ahead.
Nandan Singh Negi, who heads the employees’ welfare association, said workers have been seeking answers ever since they learned about the proposed takeover. Many employees have reportedly contacted association representatives, expressing concerns about job security and asking whether alternative arrangements will be made for them.
Several workers who have spent most of their careers at the club say the sudden development has left them in a difficult position. Some employees have served the institution for more than three decades and fear that finding new employment opportunities at their age will be extremely challenging. For many families, the club has been their primary source of income for years.
The uncertainty is particularly difficult for lower-income workers. Some staff members have spoken about facing multiple hardships simultaneously, including concerns over housing and relocation. Many say they are willing to continue working if the club is shifted to another location, but they are seeking assurances about their employment status.
The issue has also drawn concern from long-time club members. Retired military officers and senior members have expressed support for the workers and questioned the impact that the takeover could have on hundreds of employees. Estimates suggest that around 600 people are directly employed by the club, making the decision significant not only for the institution itself but also for the families dependent on it.
In response to the government’s notice, the club management has stated that it will seek clarification from authorities regarding several aspects of the order. Officials have also requested an urgent meeting with representatives of the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. The club says its immediate focus is ensuring that daily operations continue without disruption while it explores legal and administrative options.
Located at 2 Safdarjung Road in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, the Delhi Gymkhana Club occupies a prominent position in the capital’s social and cultural landscape. The land was originally leased for the operation of a sporting and recreational institution, and the club has functioned in that capacity for decades.
Founded in 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club during the British era, the institution served colonial administrators and military officials. Following India’s Independence in 1947, the word “Imperial” was removed from its name, and it became the Delhi Gymkhana Club. The club’s iconic buildings, many of which date back to the 1930s, remain an important part of Delhi’s architectural heritage.
As the June 5 deadline approaches, employees, members, and management await further clarity from the government. Until then, uncertainty continues to hang over one of the capital’s most historic institutions and the hundreds of workers who depend on it.
