Pune: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has initiated the process of privatizing 28 of its most popular resorts and three open spaces located across key tourist destinations in the state.

The decision to privatize includes highly profitable resorts in Pune district, such as Sinhagad, Panshet, Karla, and Bhimashankar, as well as locations in Ahmednagar, Thane, Nashik, Sindhudurg, and other districts.

The e-tender process is already underway, with a submission deadline set for September 27, which coincides with World Tourism Day.

This plan was first proposed under the leadership of the former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray during the Maha Vikas Aghadi administration. However, the plan was paused after the Mahayuti coalition government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, took office.

Now, the current government has resumed the privatization effort, seeing it as a necessary move to further develop the tourism sector.

The MTDC’s privatization plans include resorts located in some of Maharashtra’s most scenic and historically significant areas. These include locations such as Velneshwar, Ganpatipule, Tarkarli, and Kunkeshwar in the coastal Sindhudurg district; Malshej Ghat in Thane; Grape Park in Nashik; and Shirdi, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites.

Additionally, open spaces in Chikhaldara, Phardapur, and Mithbao are part of the plan.

While the government views this move as a necessary step towards modernization, concerns have been raised about its impact on both tourists and MTDC employees.

Privatization could potentially lead to an increase in accommodation prices, making these once-affordable options more expensive for the average tourist.

Many visitors choose MTDC resorts due to their reasonable pricing and prime locations, and any price hike could discourage tourism in these areas.

In addition, the MTDC Employees' Union has expressed strong discontent with the privatization plan. Union President Sachin Ahir has raised concerns about the future of workers employed at these resorts.

According to Ahir, privatization could lead to job insecurity for many staff members. In protest, union members plan to wear black armbands and are demanding that the workers be given permanent employment contracts.