Integrated Development Project for Modern Ex-Servicemen Complexes to be Expedited: Minister Shambhuraj Desai

Mumbai, July 2026: In accordance with the directions of the Honourable Governor, the Integrated Development Project of the land parcels belonging to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare at Satara and Pandharpur will be expedited. Modern, fully-equipped complexes for ex-servicemen and their families will be developed at these locations 

The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Mines and Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Shri Shambhuraj Desai said, “The proposed complex at Satara will provide a permanent marketplace for products manufactured by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) formed by Veer Naris (War Widows) and the wives of ex-servicemen, thereby promoting their economic empowerment. This will be the State's first integrated development project dedicated to the welfare of ex-servicemen and is expected to set a new benchmark in this sector.”

A review meeting regarding the integrated development of the land belonging to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation and the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare at Satara and Pandharpur was held recently at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, under the chairmanship of Minister Shri Shambhuraj Desai.

 The meeting was attended by Shri Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism); Shri Santosh Kumar (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare; Shri Neelesh R. Gatne (IAS), Managing Director, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation; Shri Vijay Powar, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism along with the Director of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (Pune Division); District Collector of Satara; Resident Deputy Collector of Solapur; Chief Executive Officer of the Pandharpur Temple Committee, District Ex-Servicemen Welfare Officers of Satara and Solapur, and other concerned regional officers through video conferencing.

During the meeting, Minister of Tourism Shri Shambhuraj Desai conducted a detailed review of the proposal to establish a modern, fully-equipped integrated complex at Pandharpur for ex-servicemen and their families. The proposed facility will provide accommodation, training, guidance, administrative services, and other essential amenities under one roof. He also issued necessary directions to the concerned officials.

A detailed discussion was held regarding the present status of the identified land parcels at Satara and Pandharpur, site inspections, available infrastructure and the integrated development plan for the land belonging to both departments.

The Honourable Minister of Tourism emphasised that, in line with the directions of the Honourable Governor, the project should accord the highest priority to the welfare of ex-servicemen while simultaneously promoting tourism development. He further instructed the officials to ensure effective planning, inter-departmental co-ordination and time-bound implementation of the project. Expressing confidence in the initiative, the Minister of Tourism said the project would establish new benchmarks for the welfare of ex-servicemen in Maharashtra.