Pune: Deputy CM Fadnavis Inaugurates ‘Media Tower’ Project for Journalists’ Affordable Housing

Pune, 25th December 2023: Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation stone for the ‘Media Tower’ private housing project initiated by the Maharashtra State Marathi Journalists Association.

During the ceremony held at Hotel JW Marriott, Fadnavis announced his commitment to discussing with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde the possibility of implementing a plan to offer discounted interest rates on home loans for journalists, facilitating affordable housing.

The event saw the presence of key dignitaries, including PMMRDA Commissioner Rahul Mahiwal, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shekhar Singh, and prominent editors like Dr. Yogesh Jadhav, Sanjay Awte, and Samrat Phadnis.

Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized the importance of addressing the housing needs of journalists, stating that journalists face numerous challenges, including the lack of affordable housing. He envisioned extending such projects to other cities in Maharashtra, recognizing the changing landscape of media with an increasing number of young individuals from ordinary households joining the industry.

Highlighting the significance of social security for media professionals, Fadnavis acknowledged the passing of the Maharashtra Media Persons and Media Institutions (Prevention of Violence and damage or Loss to Property) Act, and the extension of the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana to all journalists. Efforts are underway to broaden the scope to include journalists’ families under the scheme.

While journalists have benefitted from MHADA’s lottery for housing in Mumbai, Fadnavis stressed that considering the growing number of journalists, additional measures, including potential price reductions by municipal bodies, should be explored. He assured support from the revenue headquarters in acquiring space for projects like the Media Tower, even suggesting the possibility of appointing an independent officer if necessary.

Looking ahead, Fadnavis expressed his vision for Pune and PMRDA to become crucial growth engines for the country in the next two decades. He underscored the city’s potential as a hub for new-age industries, citing priority projects like the Ring Road and the necessity of a new airport for rapid development.