Pune: On the occasion of Republic Day, the Maharashtra government on Tuesday inaugurated 'jail tourism' in the state from Pune's Yerawada prison.

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated the initiative at Yerawada Central Jail on the Republic Day. CMO Maharashtra fromtheir Twitter account said, "CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray today launched a unique jail tourism initiative. This will help school and college students, history enthusiasts and citizens to experience vignettes from our history."

Deputy CM and Pune's Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar on Republic Day visited the Yerawada's prison to launch jail tourism. During the visit he also discussed few points of the project with the senior officials from the police and administration.

Constructed in 1871, Yerwada Central Jail is one of the biggest prisons in South Asia spread over 512 acres. Yerawada jail will be developed as a tourism site since many freedom fighters were jailed there, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had said earlier.

The Maharashtra government will levy a small fee, Rs 5 for school students, Rs 10 for collegians, and Rs 50 for general tourists.

Maharashtra government in a statement had said that a tourism guide will be provided to the tourists after reaching here. Rs five will be charged from school students, Rs 10 from college students while Rs 50 is reserved for general tourists visiting here.

Those who want to visit need to contact the Superintendent of Yerawada Jail or ADG prisons. One must carry Aadhaar cards, ID or cards of the Institution.