In the first-ever initiative taken after the President's 2019 order abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the Maharashtra Government has approved a proposal to construct a State guest house on a 2.5 acre plot of land in Ichgam taluka of Badgam district near Srinagar airport in the Union Territory.
At its weekly meeting presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the State Cabinet approved a proposal to purchase 20 kanals (2.5 acres) worth `8.16 crore identified by the Union Territory administration's Revenue department for the construction of a State guest in Ichgam taluka near Srinagar Airport.
The Union Territory administration on Thursday accorded sanction for the allotment of the identified 2.5 acres to the Maharashtra Government after the State Government on Wednesday go-ahead to a proposal to purchase land for the purpose from the Union Territory administration.
Confirming the allocation for the allotment of land, the Jammu and Kashmir Revenue department said on Thursday, "Sanction is hereby accorded to the transfer of Shamlat Deh (Mehfooz Kahcharie) land measuring 20 kanals 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 `8.16 crore, which is `40.80 lakh per kanal for construction of Maharshtra Bhawan."
It may be recalled that in June last year, Shinde had urged the administration of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to provide a plot of land for the construction of a 'Maharashtra Bhavan' to boost ties between the people of his State and UT.
Shinde, while on a tour of Kashmir during the first week of June 2023, had called on Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and made a formal proposal.
In his letter, Shinde had told the Lt Governor that in view of the growing tourism and cultural exchanges, plus enhancing economic and social ties, such an institution will be beneficial to people on both sides. He had also said the Maharashtra Bhavan in Srinagar will not only provide accommodation facilities to tourists from this state, but provide a glimpse of the state, its rich arts, culture and cuisine for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
While seeking a plot of land for the construction of "Maharashtra Bhavan", Shinde had said the institution could also be used as a major hub for students, entrepreneurs, senior officials to strengthen ties between the State and the UT.
If any and when Maharashtra Bhavan is constructed in Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra will become the first to construct such a State guest in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 - validity of which was approved by a five-member bench of Supreme Court by its five-member bunch headed headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, on December 11, 2023.
Holding that Article 370 was a temporary provision, the SC bench had observed, "Article 370 was an interim arrangement due to war conditions in the State... Textual reading also indicates that [Article 370] is a temporary provision. Marginal note says it is temporary and transitory."
