Ziraat Times Team Report
Srinagar: The historic Kashmir Golf Club (KGC), established 138 years ago, is facing an unprecedented crisis due to prolonged mismanagement and violations of its constitutional framework. A formal request authored by Ghulam Jeelani Pandit, Former DGP of Jammu & Kashmir, and endorsed by over 200 permanent members, has been submitted to the President of the Club (Chief Minister of J&K) urging immediate intervention to save the institution from collapse.
The key concerns highlighted in the letter, a copy of which has been shared with Ziraat Times:
1. 13-Year Gap in Annual General Meetings (AGMs):
– As per Article 35(1) of the Club’s Constitution, AGMs must be held annually, with a maximum gap of 15 months. However, the last AGM was conducted in 2012, leaving financial accounts unapproved and members excluded from decision-making.
– Article 35(2)(ii) mandates annual approval of audited accounts, which has been ignored, raising concerns over financial transparency.
2. Unconstitutional decisions:
– Article 37(1) requires members to be notified of any rule changes, but no such notices were issued in over a decade, rendering recent decisions “unconstitutional and illegal.”
3. Exclusion of members:
– Members allege total exclusion from the Club’s day-to-day management, leading to deteriorating facilities and services.
Proposed solution: Nomination of a new chairman
The members have invoked Article 24(i) of the Constitution, which permits the Hon’ble President to nominate a Chairman other than the Chief Secretary (current Chairman), citing the latter’s inability to devote time due to official responsibilities.
Key responsibilities for the proposed chairman:
– Take over Club management and restore member facilities.
– Engage in dialogue with members for infrastructural development.
– Prepare a revival blueprint within two months.
– Conduct elections and schedule a General Body Meeting.
The members unanimously propose Nasir Hamid Khan, Honorary Secretary of Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, citing his proven administrative skills in transforming Amar Singh Club into a model institution.
The request, supported by eminent members including former bureaucrats, doctors, and business leaders, reflects deep concern over the Club’s decline. Many members, currently outside Kashmir, have endorsed the plea via WhatsApp, emphasizing urgency.
The appeal is endorsed by eminent members, including:
-
Chuhan Jeelani Pandit (Membership No. 01/P)
-
Mohammed Amin (03/4)
-
Krishan Kumar Aula (20/4)
-
Dr. Rafi Togoo (25/T)
-
Mushtaq Vakil (03/V, Dubai)
-
Shiva Parmar (17/P)
-
Ata Rasool Khan (96/K)
-
Inayatullah Khateeb (84/K)
-
Dr. Kumail Murtaza (09/M)
-
Farhan Khan (106/K)
-
Zayd Pandit (24/P)
-
Upenderjit Singh (138/S)
