Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur
| Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur | |
|---|---|
विधान भवन, नागपूर | |
_Nagpur_-_panoramio.jpg) Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur during the winter session | |
  Location in Maharashtra, India  Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur (India) | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Modernist (Post-Independence) |
| Location | Civil Lines, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India |
| Coordinates | 21°09′05″N 79°04′47″E / 21.1514°N 79.0796°E |
| Construction started | 1960 |
| Completed | 1961[1] |
| Owner | Government of Maharashtra |
| Management | Maharashtra Legislative Secretariat |
| Design and construction | |
| Developer | Government of Maharashtra |
| Main contractor | Government PWD |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | Assembly: 288 members[2] |
| Website | |
| Government of Maharashtra Legislature | |
Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur is the second seat of the Maharashtra Legislature, located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. It serves as the venue for the state assembly’s Winter session, held annually as part of a commitment under the Nagpur Pact of 1953 to develop Vidarbha and give it political representation.[3][4]
History
The decision to hold a legislative session in Nagpur each year was taken under the Nagpur Pact, which aimed to integrate the region of Vidarbha equitably within the state of Maharashtra.[3][5]
The existing Vidhan Bhavan complex was designed to host the winter session of the legislature and accommodate legislators and ministers from across the state.[4]
Architecture
The Vidhan Bhavan complex features a main council hall, ministers’ cabins, and committee rooms, reflecting modern architectural design while incorporating regional aesthetics.[6]
In 2023, a plan was announced to expand the Vidhan Bhavan under the ‘Nagpur Vista’ project to include additional council halls and office space to support future legislative functions and growing administrative needs.[7][8]
Legislative functions
Nagpur hosts the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislature annually in December, in line with constitutional commitments to regional representation. The session covers legislative debates, question hours, budgetary discussions, and various policy deliberations.[9][10]
Political and regional significance
The Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur is a focal point for regional identity and political demands for Vidarbha statehood. During sessions, especially in winter, protests and demonstrations calling for a separate Vidarbha state are regularly held near the assembly complex.[11][12]
Security measures
Due to increased security concerns following incidents elsewhere, the security around Vidhan Bhavan has been strengthened. Entry to visitors is now restricted, especially during the legislative session period.[13][14]
Transportation and access
The Vidhan Bhavan is located approximately 6 km from Nagpur Junction railway station and 9 km from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.[15][16] During the session, traffic around the complex is regulated, and public access is limited.
Media and public engagement
In 2025, the Speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly announced the launch of ‘Vidhi Mandal TV’, a dedicated channel to broadcast proceedings from both Nagpur and Mumbai seats of the legislature.[17]
Future developments
In recent years, proposals have been put forward to modernise the Vidhan Bhavan complex in Nagpur. These plans include the implementation of upgraded digital voting systems, improved accommodation facilities for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and legislative staff, as well as measures to enhance the building’s energy efficiency. Additionally, there are initiatives aimed at the conservation of heritage elements within the complex, with a view to preserving its architectural and historical significance.[17][18][8]
The Vidhan Bhavan complex has also remained a focal point in the ongoing discourse surrounding the demand for separate statehood for Vidarbha. It serves as a symbolic and political centre for these discussions, reflecting the regional aspirations for autonomy as well as the broader challenges associated with such demands.[12]
See also
References
- ^ "State Legislature Secretariat office at Nagpur, a dream fulfilled". The Hitavada. 4 January 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Government of Maharashtra – Maharashtra Legislative Assembly details". Government of Maharashtra. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Nagpur Pact". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ a b "State Legislature Secretariat office at Nagpur a dream fulfilled". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Fulfill Yeshwantrao's promises to Vidarbha". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Old buildings' replica ready for ministers' cabin". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Green light for Nagpur Vista: Maharashtra's second capital set for legislative makeover". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Allot new sites for govt offices to be displaced for assembly expansion in 2 days: Bawankule". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Winter session of Maharashtra legislature to be held from December 19 to 30 at Nagpur". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Winter session of Maharashtra legislature from Dec 7 to 20 in Nagpur". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "V for Vidarbha: Winter session begins with statehood stir". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Vidarbha explodes in protest: Statehood supporters hoist flag, declare war on Maharashtra Day". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Vidhan Bhavan security beefed up, entry of visitors curbed after Parliament breach". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Nagpur police ramp up security measures ahead of assembly session". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Distance from Nagpur Railway Station to Vidhan Bhavan". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Distance between Nagpur railway station and airport". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Maharashtra Legislature to launch Vidhi Mandal TV: Speaker Rahul Narwekar". Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ "Nagpur may get new Vidhan Bhavan in 2–3 yrs: Narwekar". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
