By Abdul Hameed, TwoCircles.net
Mumbai: In a landmark decision ahead of the Lok Sabha elections Maharashtra government has announced 50% more Floor Space Index (FSI) for religious structures. The step is a cause for joy especially for Muslims.
The state chief minister Ashok Chavan said in a press conference on Wednesday that all the existing and new religious structures, that includes mosques, temples, churches, shrines etc., with an area of 2,500 sq ft will get 50% more FSI across Maharashtra.
A large number of worshipers in Friday prayers have to offer namaz at roads. Therefore Muslims have for long been demanding additional FSI for mosques but nothing except a little FSI in BJP-Shiv Sena rule they could get. Noticeably, Ashok Chavan had promised in the recently held anti terrorism conference of Jamit Ulama-I- Hind in Mumbai that additional FSI for mosques would be given.
With this decision, now Muslims will be able to construct more storeys on mosques.
Maulana Zakir who takes care of Kina Market mosque of Govandi said, ‘The decision is laudable and it will put an end to management problems. But I am afraid whether it would be implemented properly or not. The governments have some plans for Muslims and postpone their announcement till the election period to use it as ‘lollipop’ for Muslims.’