CHANDIGARH: In a bid to preserve the glorious heritage of state, the Punjab Cabinet on Monday gave approval for acquisition, conservation and use of Mubarik Manzil Palace, Malerkotla in district Sangrur.
To facilitate the acquisition of the Mubarik Manzil Palace, the state government will provide Rs.3 crore to Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa, the owner of the said property as consideration to her for transferring property with all its rights to the state government.
A decision to this effect was taken during Cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh here through videoconferencing.
The Chief Minister said that this decision would be instrumental in preserving the rich legacy of the state and to reconnect younger generations with our glorious past.
It may be recalled that Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla had vehemently raised his voice in favour of younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji against the Subedar of Sirhind and thus has a treasured and honoured place in history of Punjab. Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan openly opposed the execution of Dasmesh Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, aged about 9 years and 7 years. On learning of this courageous action on the part of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan, Dasmesh Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave his blessings and protection to the State of Malerkotla. As a mark of recognition Guru Ji also sent a sword ‘Sri Sahib’ to Nawab Sher Mohamad Khan.
Notably, Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa, has written to the state government that Mubarik Manzil Palace, Malerkotla of which she is the sole owner, and has absolute rights to alienate the property to any person including State or Tourism & Cultural Affairs department. Being true owner of the property, she also mentioned that the Palace is a valuable heritage property, more than 150 years spreading over an area of 32, 400 sq. ft., requires to be properly conserved for future as an integral part of history of erstwhile Malerkotla State & Punjab. For this purpose, she desired to hand over the Palace to State for acquisition, conservation and use as per her wish and with certain conditions.
According to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, the expected financial liability as on today involved in purchase of this proposed protected monument and likely financial implications arising out of existing court cases is around Rs.5 crore. The rate of the land has been got evaluated from Deputy Commissioner, Sangrur and the evaluation of the property has also been got done by the Tourism & Cultural Affairs department through its Conservation Architect and Chief General Manager-cum-Chief Engineer.