NEW DELHI: Anxiety and uncertainty have gripped employees of the historic Delhi Gymkhana Club after the Centre directed the elite institution to vacate its premises by June 5, triggering fears of job losses among staff who have served the club for decades.Several employees said they are now unsure about their future as the government move to reclaim the prime Lutyens’ Delhi property has put nearly 600 workers on edge.Nandan Singh Negi, president of the Gymkhana Employee Welfare Association, said staff were informed about the development on Saturday.“We were told about the development yesterday. Staff members have been calling me throughout the night, asking what will happen to them and where they will go,” he said.Rameshwar, a staff member who has worked at the club for over 35 years, said the sudden order has left employees deeply concerned about how they will support their families.“Many of us have spent over three decades here, while others have worked for 10 to 15 years. We do not know how we will sustain our families now,” he said, adding that finding alternative employment at this stage of life would be extremely difficult.Several employees gathered at the club on Sunday seeking clarity on their future and demanding assurances regarding their livelihoods.A housekeeping staff member broke down while describing her situation, saying she had spent her entire working life at the club and was now facing the possibility of losing both her job and housing.“I am old now and have dedicated my entire life to this work. Our jhuggi is also set to be demolished on May 26. First our home, and now our job — how will we survive?” she said.She added that workers would be willing to relocate wherever the club is shifted in future, if such an arrangement is made.Defence expert Major General (Retd) PK Sehgal, who is also associated with the club, said the move could impact hundreds of workers.“Without any prior warning or advance notice, this action, threatens 600 employees losing jobs; Gymkhana Club a prestigious heritage site and its destruction is a sacrilege that requires public opposition,” Sehgal said.He added that the committee members had held a meeting after receiving the notice and decided to challenge the order in court.The Centre’s decision comes after the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs issued a “re-entry and resumption” order for the 27.3-acre property located at 2 Safdarjung Road in Lutyens’ Delhi.The government has stated that the land falls in a “highly sensitive and strategic area” and is required for governance and institutional purposes, including strengthening of defence and public security infrastructure.(With agency inputs)
