Maharashtra Govt Stops Urdu Academy Relocation Maharashtra government has put the proposed relocation of the Urdu Sahitya Academy on hold. The decision was made after a review by the state’s minority affairs department, which confirmed that the Academy will not be shifted from its current premises in Mumbai’s Old Customs House unless a fully furnished, government-owned alternative space of at least 2,000 square feet is arranged.
This decision comes in response to growing concerns about the preservation of minority institutions and the impact of urban development on cultural infrastructure. Community representatives had earlier raised the issue through formal channels, seeking assurance that any shift would not compromise the Academy’s functioning or accessibility. Government officials confirmed that a two-month window has been set to identify a suitable location. If no such space is found, the existing facility will be renovated to better serve the Academy’s needs. This move is seen as an effort to protect the legacy of Urdu literature in the state while balancing administrative efficiency.
The Urdu Sahitya Academy plays a critical role in promoting linguistic and literary dialogue between Urdu and Marathi, and its central Mumbai location has long been seen as vital to its outreach and relevance. The government has also committed to filling seven long-pending staff vacancies within the Academy and, in the interim, hiring contractual staff to maintain operations. Additionally, the state announced the creation of a ₹10 crore corpus fund for the Academy with a tenure of 50 years. A separate annual budgetary allocation of ₹5 crore is under active consideration to support its literary and educational programmes.
Meanwhile, the state has also directed improvements in other minority institutions, including digital transparency measures for the Waqf Board and hiring across the Minority Research and Training Institute. The decision reflects a broader push towards inclusive governance and cultural sustainability, ensuring that institutions like the Urdu Sahitya Academy are not displaced without careful planning and community engagement.
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