Mumbai: In a landmark move, the Maharashtra government has embarked on a project to establish a state guest house, termed ‘Maharashtra Bhawan’, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative marks Maharashtra as the pioneering state in the country to acquire land post the abrogation of Article 370, which previously restricted land purchases to permanent residents of the region.
The Eknath Shinde-led government has sanctioned a budget of Rs 8.16 crore for the construction of this facility, which aims to provide accommodations and amenities for tourists and officials from Maharashtra during their visits to Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed site spans 2.5 acres in the strategically located Ichgam area, in proximity to Srinagar Airport, nestled within the picturesque district of Budgam in Central Kashmir.
The decision, ratified by the Maharashtra Cabinet on March 13, aligns with the state’s vision to foster closer ties and facilitate travel between the two regions. The approval from the Jammu and Kashmir government for the land transfer further cements this bilateral cooperation.
This development follows Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir in June of the previous year, where discussions with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha laid the groundwork for this significant undertaking. The move is seen as a direct outcome of the central government’s notification in October 2020, which opened doors for all Indian citizens to purchase non-agricultural land in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby integrating the region more closely with the rest of the nation.
Maharashtra Bhawan is envisioned as a symbol of unity and progress, providing a home away from home for its residents visiting the valley and serving as a testament to the new possibilities that have emerged in the wake of historical policy changes.
