Prabhadevi labourers allege private takeover of Kamgar Krida Bhavan sports complex

Labourers and regular users of the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board’s sports complex, Kamgar Krida Bhavan in Prabhadevi-Parel, Mumbai, have accused the board of restricting their access to facilities in favour of private operators and commercial events.

According to regular swimmer Satish Ankam, whose family member is a labourer, only about 30 percent of the 50-metre indoor swimming pool remains available to workers after lanes are allocated for private operations. Users stated that the pool is run by a private contractor, Sportiqo, leaving labourers with limited space despite repeated protests.

Members also alleged that the sports ground at the complex is routinely rented out for commercial events, including weddings, political rallies, and religious functions, beyond permitted timeframes. They noted that artificial turf installations and extended preparation times further restrict access for local users. Facilities for table tennis, badminton, and gymnastics are also reportedly dominated by private operators and cater mainly to private members.

While workers contribute ₹50 to the welfare fund and pay ₹1,300 annually for pool access—or ₹2,000 for family members—private members pay ₹15,000 per year. Users alleged that the board prefers private members due to these higher fees.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sunil Prabhu raised the issue in a letter to the state labour department. Prabhu noted that while the board receives ₹400 crore from contributions made by labourers (₹50), the state government (₹50), and establishments (₹150), only 10 percent of the state's 60 lakh labourers benefit from its sports activities.

In response to the allegations, Labour Welfare Commissioner Bhaskar Morade stated that officials met with regular users and submitted a report to the state government. Morade said the ground is rented out only for specific days and that state-level competitions continue. He added that regular users were asked to accommodate state- and national-level swimmers training under Olympian Virdhawal Khade.

Mohammed Ahmed, a pool manager for Sportiqo, said lane segregation was implemented for safety between swimmers and non-swimmers, adding that pool timings for labourers have been increased. A spokesperson for the Labour Welfare Board stated that the organization is working to ensure labourers make up more than 50 percent of participants across its welfare activities, which include sports, drama competitions, pre-primary schools, and sewing classes.