Ajit Pawar’s Directive Clears Path for IT Hub in Kolhapur

Mumbai, 1st April 2025: The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step toward establishing an IT Hub in Kolhapur, following directives from Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In a special meeting held in Mumbai, Pawar instructed that 34 hectares of land from the Agricultural University at Shenda Park be transferred for the project.

As compensation, the university will be allotted an alternative land parcel of 60 to 100 hectares in Kagal, Panhala, Hatkanangale, or Radhanagari talukas for agricultural education and research. Pawar has set a 10-day deadline for finalizing the alternative site with the university’s consent.

The meeting, held at the Sahyadri State Guest House in Mumbai, was attended by several key officials, including Medical Education Minister Hasan Mushrif (via video conference), Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, Kolhapur Guardian Minister and Health Minister Prakash Abitkar (via video conference), MLA Amal Mahadik (via video conference), and senior bureaucrats such as Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning Department Rajagopal Deora, Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department O. P. Gupta, and Industries Secretary Dr. P. Anbalgan. Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, MIDC Chief Executive Officer P. Velarasu, and Kolhapur District Collector Amol Yedge also participated in the discussions.

Balancing Agricultural and Industrial Growth
During the meeting, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar emphasized the importance of balanced development in both agriculture and industry to drive the state’s overall progress. He acknowledged the crucial role played by universities in agricultural research and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing them with necessary facilities and land. However, he also underlined the state’s pro-industry approach, stating that setting up an IT Hub in Kolhapur would accelerate economic growth and generate local employment opportunities.

“The Agricultural University’s Shenda Park site, which was previously on the outskirts, is now in the heart of the city. Given the rising demand for IT infrastructure, this centrally located land is ideal for an IT Hub,” Pawar explained. “In return, the university will be provided with a suitable alternative site equipped with electricity, water, and road access. The land will also be developed as required.”

Pawar further directed the Kolhapur District Collector to finalize the alternative land location within 10 days, ensuring the Agricultural University’s approval. He confirmed that the cabinet would formally approve the land transfer in an upcoming meeting.