The Aryavarth Express New Delhi, February 5: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised alarm over growing concerns about gyms and fitness centres across India, particularly in light of allegations of sexual exploitation and health hazards linked to unregulated practices.
Acting on multiple complaints, the NHRC has issued notices to all state governments, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and relevant sports authorities, requesting detailed information on the rules and guidelines governing the establishment and operation of gyms and fitness clubs.
Priyank Kanoongo, a member of the NHRC, highlighted that several disturbing cases have surfaced nationwide. “Numerous incidents of sexual exploitation of women and adolescent girls by trainers in gyms and fitness clubs have come to light across various locations,” he said, emphasizing the vulnerability of young women and minors in inadequately regulated fitness spaces.
Kanoongo also raised serious concerns about health risks in the sector, pointing to the dangers of substandard dietary supplements and uncontrolled physical activities. “From a health perspective as well, substandard food supplements and unmonitored physical exercises pose a direct threat to human life,” he added.
The NHRC has called for comprehensive inputs from authorities to evaluate whether sufficient regulatory mechanisms are in place. “Notices have been issued to all state governments, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, and sports authorities to provide information on the rules and guidelines related to the establishment and operation of gyms and fitness centres, so that steps can be taken to curb unethical activities in this sector,” Kanoongo explained.
In a related development, on January 8, the Central government appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers Anand Swaroop and Anupama Nilekar Chandra to key positions in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the NHRC, respectively. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved these appointments following a proposal from the MHA. The appointments were officially announced through an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) the same day.
