Gymkhanas in south Mumbai brace for higher rent

The state government has approved a resolution, which requires major gymkhanas in the city to shell out double the rent they have been paying since the last 33 years

Bombay Gymkhana. File Pic

The state government has approved a resolution, which requires major gymkhanas in the city to shell out double the rent they have been paying since the last 33 years. The policy will impact around 18 gymkhanas in the city, especially those situated in prime locations in SoBo. Adding to the woes of club owners, the new policy states that the annual rent amount would increase every year, while the base rent would be hiked once in five years.

Not surprisingly, the move has not gone down well with the gymkhanas, which are wondering the impact the policy would have on membership fees.

The new policy has segregated the gymkhanas into three categories, the rent charges levied on them are based on the Ready Reckoner Rates of the areas they occupy. Explaining the decision, a senior officer from the revenue department said, "The rent will be 1 per cent of the Ready Reckoner Rate of the total property for 'A' class gymkhanas, it will be 0.5 per cent for the 'B' category and 0.25 per cent for the 'C' grade."

Darius Udwadia, Bombay Gymkhana club chief said, "It is too early to say how we are going to tackle the increased charges. We fall into the 'A' category, so I believe the hike will be significant."

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