Chandigarh MC formulates policy to hire firms for gyms

The Municipal Corporation (MC) has prepared a policy to engage private firms to run gyms at the city’s community centres. The development comes after the Chandigarh Tribune, in a report published on July 17, 2025, highlighted the absence of any policy for gyms that have been lying defunct for years.

Sources said the agenda of the policy will be placed before next General House meeting on July 29.

Notably, the civic body purchased advanced equipment worth crores for the gyms but many of them remain out of use. Gyms at many community centres were forced to close soon after opening due to the policy vacuum.

As per the request for proposal (RFP) prepared by the civic body, there are a total of 29 community centers with gym facilities. Private firms will be responsible for operating and maintaining them and will pay a fixed monthly license fee to the MC on a quarterly basis.

The contract period will be three years, which will be further extendable by one year subject to performance and mutual consent of both parties. A 5 per cent increase in the annual fee has also been proposed. The existing gym will be handed over to the company on an “as is where is” basis.

Sources said MC officials have prepared the model to generate revenue for cash strapped civic body.

Aam Aadmi Party councillor Yogesh Dhingra supported the policy, saying, “Due to the lack of policy, the equipment worth crores has become useless and is collecting rust.”