Maharashtra Govt allocates Rs 77 Cr for construction of Maharashtra Bhawan in Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 27: The Maharashtra government allocated funds for constructing the Maharashtra Bhawan in Kashmir in its interim budget presented on Tuesday.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the state government had earmarked Rs 77 crore for building Maharashtra Bhawans in Kashmir and Ayodhya.

The Maharashtra Bhawan in Srinagar would be the first such guesthouse by the state government in Kashmir.

It aims to provide comfortable accommodations and facilities for tourists from Maharashtra visiting Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Revenue Department has already approved land transfer for the Maharashtra Bhawan.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to the transfer of Shamilat Deh (Mehfooz Kahcharie) land measuring 20 kanal under Survey No 576 min situated at estate Ichgam, Budgam in favour of Maharashtra state in terms of Rule 310 of General Financial Rules, 2017, on payment of transfer value of Rs 8.16 crore, which is Rs 40.8 lakh per kanal for construction of Maharshtra Bhawan," reads an order issued by Secretary Revenue Department.

The Srinagar Maharashtra Bhawan project was first proposed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his December visit to Kashmir.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had requested J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to allocate land in Kashmir for the construction of Maharashtra Bhawan.

During his visit to J&K last year, Shinde met Sinha at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar and handed him a letter making the request.

In the letter, Shinde noted that Kashmir had witnessed admirable progress since the abrogation of Article 370 under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that the region’s evolution post-August 2019 presents an ideal opportunity for greater integration between Maharashtra and Kashmir.

Shinde said that the abrogation of Article 370 had fulfilled the dream of late Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray.

“Understanding the value of tourism and cultural exchange in enhancing relationships and economic growth, I ask your consideration in allocating a land plot in Kashmir to build Maharashtra Bhawan," Shinde wrote.

He said the proposed Maharashtra Bhawan in Kashmir would ensure greater integration between the two regions.

The Maharashtra CM envisioned the establishment as a vibrant showcase of Maharashtrian art, culture, and cuisine.

He said it would provide accommodation and support to tourists from Maharashtra visiting Kashmir.

Shinde said that this project would be a major step towards boosting ties between Maharashtra and Kashmir in the changed scenario after Article 370 abrogation.