06 March,2026 07:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the establishment of a naturopathy and wellness centre in Dare village, the native place of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Satara district, while presenting the Maharashtra Budget 2026 in the legislative assembly.
The proposed centre will focus on addressing stress, lifestyle-related diseases, mental health issues and preventive healthcare, reflecting the government's broader push towards holistic wellness and alternative healthcare practices.
During his Budget speech, Fadnavis said the naturopathy centre in Dare village will provide facilities aimed at promoting natural healing methods and preventive care.
The initiative is expected to offer therapies and programmes focused on stress management, mental well-being and lifestyle disorders, which are increasingly affecting people due to changing lifestyles and work patterns.
Officials said the centre will also encourage awareness about natural treatment systems and healthy living practices among citizens.
The chief minister also announced that a Centre of Excellence in wellness will be established in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
According to the proposal, the centre will be based on Vedic knowledge and traditional Indian music, combining ancient wellness practices with modern research and development in holistic health.
The facility is expected to promote traditional healing systems while positioning Maharashtra as a hub for wellness-based research and tourism.
As part of initiatives to promote design innovation and entrepreneurship, the government has also proposed setting up a modern leather art design and production centre in Bandra, Mumbai.
The centre will be housed in a multi-storey building equipped with advanced facilities, including spaces for innovation, research, training and entrepreneurship development.
The project is aimed at strengthening the design ecosystem in the leather sector and supporting artisans, designers and startups working in leather-based products.
Fadnavis also announced approval for the BIRSA (BHarat Innovation, Research, Start-ups for Aatmanirbharta) scheme, which aims to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship among tribal youth.
Under the initiative, tribal youth will be supported to become innovative entrepreneurs and industrialists, helping create employment opportunities and promote economic development in tribal regions.
The chief minister further said that the Development of Applied Knowledge and Skills for Human Development (DAKSH) programme, which is being implemented with support from the World Bank, will lead to the establishment of MAHIMA (Maharashtra Agency for Holistic International Mobility and Advancement).
Through MAHIMA, young people will receive language training, skill development programmes and financial guidance to prepare them for employment opportunities abroad.
In addition, the government plans to establish âNav Disha' centres across the state to expand counselling services and build a more structured system for mental health and personal guidance.
The centres are expected to provide counselling support and guidance for individuals dealing with stress, career challenges and other personal issues.
Fadnavis said these initiatives are part of the state government's efforts to strengthen wellness, skill development and innovation ecosystems, while promoting inclusive development and better opportunities for youth across Maharashtra.
