The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has taken decisive action to address long-standing complaints from residents regarding inflated charges for community centre bookings.
Following a surge in complaints about excessive booking fees, the GDA has published a fixed rate chart for the 13 community centres leased to private operators across the city. This move aims to bring much-needed transparency and fairness to the rental process. The newly implemented rates stipulate that the per-day rent for events lasting less than 12 hours at these centres will range between ₹62,000 and ₹75,000, depending on the venue. Additionally, cleaning charges have been standardised at ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, ensuring that event organisers are not faced with hidden or unreasonable fees. This decision follows a series of complaints from residents, who voiced their dissatisfaction with the escalating costs of hosting events, functions, and gatherings at the community centres. The authorities noted that these complaints were particularly concerning, as many residents were finding themselves overcharged or subjected to varying rates for similar services.
“The community centres were set up with the idea of providing affordable spaces for residents to host events. However, with the rising costs and the lack of standardised pricing, we started receiving numerous complaints,” said Rudresh Shukla, media coordinator for the GDA. “In response, we decided to act swiftly to ensure that the rates are fixed, and operators are held accountable for any discrepancies in their charges.” The GDA’s decision to standardise the rates follows a meeting with private operators who manage these centres under a 10-year lease agreement signed in 2024. The operators have been clearly instructed to adhere to the new rate chart, with any violation resulting in potential termination of their contracts. The fixed prices are now prominently displayed at all 13 community centres, which are located in various parts of the city, including Vaishali, Lajpat Nagar, Pratap Vihar, Koyal Enclave, and others.
One of the significant concerns raised by residents was the lack of communication from operators about the pricing structure, which led to confusion and frustration. Several residents reported being charged far more than the advertised prices, prompting the GDA to intervene and enforce stricter monitoring and regulation. “The lack of transparency and frequent overcharging by operators had left many of us feeling cheated,” said a resident from the Vaishali locality. “This new move by the GDA brings some much-needed clarity, but we hope it is strictly enforced.” The GDA has stated that it will not only monitor these centres for compliance with the new rates but also investigate any future complaints related to overcharging. “If any complaints are substantiated, we will conduct an inquiry, and strict action will be taken, including the possibility of cancelling the operator’s contract,” Shukla added. “We want to ensure that these community centres serve their original purpose and are not misused for profit-driven motives.”
The 13 community centres, leased by the GDA in 2024, were originally intended to be venues for community events, cultural functions, and other gatherings that would serve the needs of Ghaziabad’s growing population. However, with private operators now managing these spaces, many residents have voiced concerns over whether the original purpose of the centres is being undermined by the excessive pricing. Despite these concerns, the GDA’s move to set fixed rates is seen as a step in the right direction. It signals a commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance. The new policy is expected to ensure that the facilities are used for the benefit of the community, without residents having to worry about exploitation or unfair pricing.
The GDA’s focus on regular inspections also reflects a broader commitment to improving urban infrastructure management, particularly as Ghaziabad continues to expand rapidly. With increasing urbanisation and a growing need for public services, ensuring fair access to public spaces remains a priority for the local authorities. For now, the hope is that this move will help restore trust between residents and the civic administration, allowing the community centres to fulfil their role as accessible, affordable venues for all.
As for the future, the GDA is likely to implement further measures to ensure that similar issues do not arise in other public services. For now, however, the standardisation of rates for community centre bookings provides a sense of relief to those who rely on these spaces for personal and community events.
GDA Addresses Overcharging Allegations by Fixing Rates for 13 Community Centres
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