Centre defends derecognition of Central Secretariat Club, cites years of irregularities
The government says the club was no longer serving its intended purpose of staff welfare
The Centre has defended its decision to withdraw recognition from the century-old Central Secretariat Club (CSC), saying the action was prompted by years of administrative failures, governance lapses and the absence of a legally constituted management committee.
The move marks the third time the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has de-recognised the club over allegations of irregularities.
In an office memorandum issued on February 24, 2026, the DoPT said the latest decision followed persistent violations, including the failure to hold Executive Committee (EC) elections on time, complaints of financial and administrative irregularities, misuse of office and continued non-compliance with government directives. The ministry noted that although the EC elected in July 2024 had a one-year tenure, no fresh elections were conducted before its term ended on July 13, 2025, leaving the club without a legally valid governing body.
The memorandum also cited complaints of internal disputes, denial of CCTV access to DoPT nominees, unauthorised occupation of government property, alleged illegal gambling, operation of an unauthorised canteen, encroachments and discrimination against outsourced staff. It said these issues persisted despite the appointment of an ad hoc administrative committee in 2023 to streamline the club’s functioning.
The government further said the club was no longer serving its intended purpose of staff welfare, alleging that membership had effectively become restricted and was no longer benefiting the wider community of Central Government employees. Citing repeated violations and the absence of a valid management committee since July 14, 2025, the competent authority revoked the club’s recognition with immediate effect and directed the Directorate of Estates to initiate eviction proceedings from the government premises.
Established in 1919, the Central Secretariat Club is a registered society that operates from government premises on Talkatora Road in New Delhi and was set up to promote the welfare and recreation of lower- and middle-level Central Government employees. According to the DoPT, the club was first de-recognised in 1971 following complaints of irregularities, though recognition was restored in 1972. It was de-recognised again in 1983 after fresh complaints and was re-recognised in December 2005 following a review.
