GK has done a good job in bringing the status of Kashmir Golf Club, the second oldest golf course of the subcontinent to the notice of the government, which in fact, owns it.
 The constitution of the club has been adopted by the Tourism Department in 1968 with a provision that the “Govt has overriding powers”.
 Till ‘90s the Tourism Department would take active part in the club affairs and some help would also come from the Army, whose officers were regularly playing on the course.
 All construction activities were carried out by the Tourism Department. The state’ Sports Council was also providing adequate grants to the club. The course remained closed since 1990, and was reopened in 1996. Thanks to the then chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, the members and the staff who took keen interest and once again the course was playable.
 The equipment, which is needed to maintain the course has become defunct. And for procurement of new machines not only funds are required but also the approval of the Executive Committee, which has four Government nominated members who include: Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to CM, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Department and Director Tourism.
 Although the Tourism Department has been deploying machines from the Royal Spring Golf Course occasionally but it cannot be a permanent solution. 
 Along with the Machinery, the field staff is required which is on strike demanding 6th Pay Commission benefits.
 In its meeting on 9th of May, the Executive Committee chaired by the Chairman Madhav Lal and attended by Principal Secretary to CM, BB Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Tourism Atul Dulloo and Director Tourism Farooq Shah deliberated on the demands of the club staff.
 It was decided that such of the staff who were on the club rolls in 1987 be granted the 6th Pay Commission benefits and for such of the staff engaged subsequently against the resultant vacancies, details be furnished in the next meeting for a decision.
 On 10th May, the decision was conveyed to the striking staff with the request that they must resume work to facilitate preparation of the requisite report for consideration of the Executive Committee in its next meeting.
 The striking staff not agreeing to this, continue to be on strike.

By
Er Syed Raza Shah Madni
Member Executive Committee
Kashmir Golf Club
(The ideas expressed are author’s own)

Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 IST