Gymkhana Director Unable to Muster Courage to Face Members

(Subodh Jain)

The Government Board of Directors of Gymkhana has started turning into aaraamgaah (resting place) for the former bureaucrat. It is alleged that this bureaucrat, busy in enjoying the pleasure of power after retirement, has not been able to investigate even a single case of irregularity in last twenty months. Not only this, the director, after having caught in the allegations of violating the rules himself, is  unable to face the club members. This is the reason that under the pressure of the club members, a general body meeting is being called, but the meeting will be held in virtual manner only, and not face to face. Fierce protest is now being witnessed in the club against this action of government directors.

Government’s initiative not beyond allegations

In fact, raising serious questions on the functioning of the Gymkhana Club Management, the Central Government had alleged that financial irregularities and nepotism are being promoted here. Due to such allegations of the government, the administrator was appointed here last year. But after the allegations against the two administrators, the NCLT ordered the appointment of a 15-member board of directors here. Which had to present the report of the investigation done every three months before the tribunal. But it is surprising that the government representatives have not even taken the initiative to investigate seriously in any case.

Angry members took the initiative

The club has a large group of members who were disillusioned with the tarnished image of the club. It was hopeful that after the government took over the management, all the allegations would be investigated impartially and the club would again function smoothly. But this did not happen. Not only this, after the general body meeting held in December last year, no attempt was made to call the general body meeting again. Due to which 30 senior members of the Khafa Club had given notice to the management under the Companies Act on December 14 and demanded to call a general meeting.

Meeting held was not in accordance with the rules

The members allege that after receiving their notice, the club’s government directors held a General Committee meeting on the night of 15 December, bypassing the rules. In which a notice was issued to call the General Body meeting on 30th December. Significantly, MCA Joint Secretary, Anita Shah, who was included as an expert in the Board of Directors, did not attend this meeting. Not only this, the requirements of giving notice at least 21 days in advance for calling the general body meeting has also not been followed. It has also not been mentioned in the notice that which General Committee had approved the agenda of this meeting.

Directors unable to face members

Surprisingly, the board of directors has issued an order to conduct the proposed meeting of December 30 in a virtual manner even when the club is in the midst of gatherings and parties. It is alleged that the members have demanded an account of the club’s money spent on legal fees and other items. Apart from this, information has also been sought about the so-called scam in the name of Davis Cup. But the government directors are not able to muster the courage to give account of the money spent by the club to benefit special people. This is the reason why the agenda included in the notice given by 30 members, is not even mentioned. Afraid of facing the allegations of the members, the government directors have also called the general body meeting in a virtual way instead of sitting face to face.

Showed an annual loss of 20 crores

According to club members, the general committee has shown a loss of Rs 20 crore in the last year’s accounts. But what is the reason for this? And how did such a huge loss happen? This information has not been given. Not only this, no attempt has been made to answer the objections raised by the auditor. According to the club members, there is no signature of any member of the General Committee on the account being presented.