25 May,2026 05:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
he announcement was made after the inauguration of the renovated Jawahar Balbhavan building by the chief minister. Pic/screengrab/X
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday announced that an "Open Science Park" will be developed at the Maharashtra State Jawahar Balbhavan campus in Mumbai's Charni Road area which will benefit nearly one lakh students annually.
The announcement was made after the inauguration of the renovated Jawahar Balbhavan building by the chief minister.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde.
Senior officials from the education department and cultural institutions were also present.
After inspecting the new building, CM Fadnavis said that more students from municipal schools should be connected with Jawahar Balbhavan through the initiative of the Mumbai mayor.
He stated that the centre would contribute significantly towards the all-round development of children by encouraging creativity, learning and cultural participation.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar said Jawahar Balbhavan is not merely a building but a centre that has shaped the dreams and talents of lakhs of children over the past 75 years.
She said the renovated structure would provide children with opportunities to explore creativity through activities such as sports, music, dance, painting, sculpture and other artistic programmes.
According to her, Balbhavan has continuously helped children stay connected with art, culture and creativity.
School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said the institution has consistently encouraged imagination and creativity among children aged between 4 and 16 years.
He said the renovated building now includes:
- A modern auditorium and library on the ground floor
- Dance, drama and music rooms on the first floor
- Art galleries and a presentation stage on the second floor
The building also contains three fully equipped halls with a combined seating capacity for 100 students each.
Officials said around 500 students will be able to receive training in various art forms at the same time.
The upgraded facility is expected to train nearly 10,000 students every month and close to one lakh students annually.
Bhuse also announced that the Maharashtra School Education Department aims to establish one Balbhavan centre in every district of the state.
During the event, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Maharashtra State Jawahar Balbhavan and Sir J J School of Art.
The agreement was exchanged between Balbhavan director Neeta Patil and Sir JJ School of Art officials Kishor Ingle and Shashikant Kakade.
Officials said the partnership would help students receive high-quality training and guidance in the field of arts.
