Maha Vista Initiative to Accommodate 350 Legislators: Maharashtra Assembly Speaker

Mumbai, Dec 9 (NationPress) After being re-elected as Maharashtra Speaker for the second consecutive term, BJP legislator Rahul Narwekar from Colaba constituency unveiled his ambitious Maha Vista Initiative, which encompasses the construction of a new legislative building designed to accommodate 350 legislators.

The planned new structure will be located adjacent to the current Vidhan Bhavan, situated at Nariman Point.

“The existing Vidhan Bhavan has been operational since 1980. While the Lower House can hold 300 members, the new facility will enhance the seating capacity to 350 members in a more comfortable environment,” stated Rahul Narwekar following his unanimous election as Assembly Speaker.

He also announced that the complete operations of the legislature will transition to a digital format within the next two years.

Narwekar revealed plans for a central hall to be constructed at the legislative campus in Nagpur, noting, “Nagpur currently lacks a central hall, and I believe it is essential to build one. I will advocate for its construction in Nagpur.”

The Maharashtra Assembly currently comprises 288 members. The House can seat approximately 305-310 MLAs with some adjustments in seating arrangements.

However, with a delimitation process expected by 2026, the Assembly's strength could rise to 350, necessitating a larger legislative chamber. The Maha Vista Initiative, inspired by the Central Vista project in Delhi, is poised for significant advancement.

This initiative was first introduced in February 2024 by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar during his budget speech. With an estimated investment of Rs 7500 crore, the entire Mantralaya, ministers’ bungalows, new secretariat, and legislative complex are slated for renovation.

In August, the state Public Works Department (PWD) sought global tenders for the design of the ministers’ bungalows and Mantralaya. Future tenders for the redevelopment of Vidhan Bhavan will also be called.

Narwekar expressed his awareness of the fact that legislators have been without an MLA hostel for six years due to the ongoing redevelopment of Majestic and Manora MLA hostels. “The Majestic MLA hostel is expected to be completed in one year, while the Manora MLA hostel will be finished within two years,” he added.

With screens being installed on every MLA's desk, the Speaker emphasized that the entire legislative process will transition to a digital format within the next two years.

“From submitting questions to receiving responses from ministers’ offices, this will be a paperless building. The digital approach will also facilitate MLAs to come prepared,” he mentioned.

Furthermore, Narwekar noted that the library and reference sections are currently undergoing digitization, allowing members to access legislative records with a simple click.

(For inquiries, contact Sanjay Jog at sanjay.j@ians.in)