Maharashtra Government To Develop Religious Places For Minorities Under New Plan

The three-party Mahayuti government in Maharashtra has chalked out a development programme for minority religious places and pilgrimage centers. In a three-page policy decision inviting proposals, the State Department of Minority Development, serving as the nodal agency, has asked district collectors to submit proposals for sites belonging to Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, Jains, Jews, and others. After the state government approval, they will prepare plans for the development with a maximum estimated cost of Rs25 crore.

The plan will cover a 200-meter area around the religious place with provisions for basic facilities, and amenities for the devotees or followers keeping in mind the religious sentiments and customs of the respective communities. The development plans are to be prepared with the help of the government machinery and not by engaging the private agencies, the state government has instructed. If the services of the private agencies were unavoidable, their remuneration should not be based on percentage but with a fixed amount, the state government has clarified.

The facilities to be provided should include provision for drinking water facilities, toilets, and dormitories for the visiting people.

The facilities to be provided include provisions for drinking water, toilets and dormitories for visitors. Although the policy was initially decided in 2015, the then government revised it in February 2022, assigning the Minority Development Department the responsibility for developing these sites.