Maharashtra to probe NSCI finances, recover civic dues after legislators raise concerns

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has ordered a fresh scrutiny of the financial affairs of the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) in Worli and will convene a meeting within 15 days of the conclusion of the ongoing legislature session to review the club’s outstanding dues to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).The assurance came from minister Shambhuraj Desai in the legislative council after members questioned the government’s handling of the long-running dispute over payments owed by the elite sports club. The issue was raised by MLC Prasad Lad, while MLC Anil Parab also participated in the discussion.Desai said the government would implement the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and constitute a committee to examine the club’s functioning and financial transactions.

An inquiry report will be submitted within three months and further action will be taken based on its findings, he said.Minister of State Madhuri Misal told the House that the BMC had recovered about Rs 66 crore from NSCI towards its revenue share and another Rs 11 crore in connection with unauthorised construction. She said the remaining dues were being recovered in phases.In a written reply to a starred question, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the 70,376 sq m (17.39-acre) BMC-owned plot at Worli has been leased to NSCI for 99 years since January 1, 1951.

The club pays annual ground rent of Rs 43,572, besides additional ground rent of Rs 3.39 lakh for extra construction and changes in land use.Shinde said that under the BMC’s policy, lessees must share 33% of revenue earned through agreements with third parties. Following a show-cause notice issued in 2016 and audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the civic body recovered Rs 67.67 crore, including penal interest, for the 2014-20 period.

A further Rs 5.80 crore was recovered for 2022-26 after the BMC had taken over the stadium during the Covid-19 pandemic.The government also said the club had carried out unauthorised construction and changes in land use. The BMC recovered Rs 11.99 crore as penalty and levied another Rs 34.62 lakh under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 before regularising the structures. It added that the corporation is now regularly recovering its 33% revenue share from the club.