From community hubs to elite clubs? DDA sports complexes fees soars up to Rs 7 lakh

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has announced a substantial increase in membership fees for its 17 sports complexes, effective November 1, reported TOI. However, this decision has drawn criticism from members who deem the changes "unfair."

For government employees, the lifetime membership fee at the Siri Fort complex has skyrocketed to Rs 1.5 lakh, a significant jump from the previous fee of Rs 49,090.

Meanwhile, fees for other complexes will now be set at Rs 1 lakh. Non-government employees will face even steeper increases, with the lifetime fee at Siri Fort rising to Rs 7 lakh from Rs 1,07,380, and fees for other complexes will now be pegged at Rs 3 lakh.

According to the TOI report, these charges are in addition to a monthly subscription of Rs 1,500 for Siri Fort and ₹1,200 for other complexes.

DDA's single membership card
In an effort to streamline access, the DDA is introducing a single membership card that allows entry to all sports complexes. However, non-government members wishing to take advantage of this option (excluding Siri Fort) will need to pay an annual fee of Rs 4.5 lakh.

"This scheme is optional, as people can still choose to become members of individual complexes. The policy aims to enhance access to selected facilities. A circular detailing the revised fees was issued on October 14, and we are currently working on the software modifications necessary for implementation," an official stated.

Additionally, the circular specifies that a three-month swimming pool membership will cost Rs 10,000 at Siri Fort and Rs 7,000 at other complexes, noted TOI. Tenure memberships for five years are now set at Rs 1.5 lakh for Siri Fort and Rs 1 lakh for other complexes, while three-year memberships are priced at Rs 1 lakh and Rs 75,000, respectively.

For foreign citizens, fees are set at $7,500 for Siri Fort and $5,000 for other complexes. The revised policy has also eliminated categories for senior citizen, temporary, and associate memberships.

Sports complex or VIP club?
Members have expressed strong discontent over the fee hikes.

"There has been an alarming increase in fees. It seems DDA is shifting its focus towards creating an elitist zone rather than fostering an inclusive environment for the community...his effectively shuts the door on countless dedicated members, rendering the complex inaccessible to anyone who is not among the privileged few," Nima Rakheja, a temporary member at Siri Fort for over a decade, told TOI.

Terming the move "ethically unacceptable", she added, "The senior citizen membership has been removed, which will leave elderly members vulnerable and without safe spaces to walk and exercise. Facilities outsourced by DDA have additional fees."

Another member criticised the complete elimination of quarterly and yearly membership options. "This effectively locks out countless dedicated members who can no longer afford access," the member told TOI.

Aggrieved members plan to approach DDA officials to advocate for the restoration of the old fee structure. Currently, DDA sports complexes boast 53,386 members (excluding dependents) and serve approximately 213,235 visitors each month.