Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Aug 28: In a major step towards expanding top-tier management education in Maharashtra, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced the setting up of a satellite campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. The new campus will be located on a 70-acre plot in Moshi, a key node in the city’s industrial corridor.

The project aims to extend the academic excellence of IIM Nagpur to Pune’s thriving ecosystem of industries and institutions. CM Fadnavis revealed that the decision follows a year of high-level discussions and strategic planning involving stakeholders in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule hailed the announcement as a transformative moment for Pune and Maharashtra’s educational landscape.

“Moshi’s strong industrial presence and excellent connectivity between Mumbai and Pune make it a perfect location for this prestigious institution. As we celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, this foundation marks a new beginning for higher education in the region,” he said.

Pune, often dubbed the "Oxford of the East", is already home to a wide range of universities and research centres. Minister Bawankule said the new IIM campus would further enhance the city’s reputation by attracting national talent, encouraging research and entrepreneurship, and supporting sectors such as IT and automotive innovation.

He added that the revenue department has earmarked the land and the acquisition process is moving forward. “The state is committed to speeding up the development of this satellite campus, which will play a vital role in strengthening the country’s management education and contribute to Maharashtra’s knowledge-driven growth,” Bawankule noted.

With 21 IIMs now operational across India, the addition of a second IIM campus in Pune (after Nagpur and Mumbai) positions Maharashtra as a key hub in India’s management education network.

CM Fadnavis Addresses Maratha-OBC Reservation Tensions

Separately, CM Fadnavis also addressed ongoing tensions surrounding reservation demands. As pro-Maratha reservation leader Manoj Jarange-Patil leads a march toward Mumbai for an indefinite fast beginning August 29, Fadnavis reassured the public that the government would balance the needs of both Maratha and OBC communities.

“There will be no injustice to either side. The government is actively working to resolve the concerns of both communities. We urge patience and dialogue,” he said, responding to Jarange-Patil's rejection of a one-day protest permit granted by Mumbai Police.

Fadnavis also reiterated the government's commitment to finding a fair resolution and called for unity amid growing mobilisation from both communities.