In a significant move aimed at managing rising membership and crowding, the Executive Committee of Jalandhar’s Gymkhana Club has revised its popular Shake Hand Scheme. Senior citizens above 70 years of age will still be allowed to transfer their club membership to their children, but once the transfer is complete, the parents themselves will now be treated as guests, not regular members. This marks a major policy shift from previous rules, where parents could continue to access club facilities under a dependent category even after transferring their membership.
Key decisions from the executive committee meeting
- Shake Hand Scheme Amended: The change was introduced to control the growing crowd at the club. Previously, parents who transferred their membership to their children could still use the club as dependents. Now, after the transfer, they will only be allowed entry as guests, restricting their access to club facilities.
Four major renovation projects approved
The committee also gave the green light to four renovation projects:
- Sports Hub: Estimated at ₹55 lakh, including the renovation of three tennis courts and new box cricket, pickleball, and paddle courts. Contractors must now provide a 10% bank guarantee for two years to ensure quality.
- Banquet Hall/Card Room: A ₹30 lakh project to create a modern, soundproof, air-conditioned hall for 100–150 people.
- Rooftop Restaurant: A ₹25 lakh facelift is planned.
- Guest Rooms: Seven rooms will be completely renovated at a cost of ₹35 lakh. All projects will be supervised by DC Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and are expected to be completed within two months.
Committee members for projects:
- Banquet Hall & Rooftop Restaurant: Prof. Vipan Jhanji, CA Rajiv Bansal, Harpreet Goldy
- Sports Hub: Jagjit Singh Kamboj, Mohinder Singh, Shalin Joshi
- Guest House: Vinnie Dhawan, Shalini Kalra, Mahinder Singh
Other highlights
- International Yoga Day: The club will celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 with a morning yoga session followed by breakfast.
- Community Service: On Nirjala Ekadashi, the club organized a community langar and distributed chabeel (refreshing drinks) outside the club, led by club secretary Sandeep Kukki Bahl and attended by several key members.
Implications
The new Shake Hand Scheme rules are expected to significantly reduce the number of active users in the club, ensuring better management of facilities and a more exclusive experience for primary members. The extensive renovation projects signal the club’s commitment to upgrading its amenities and maintaining its status as one of Jalandhar’s premier social institutions.