State to acquire, conserve Malerkotla heritage palace

Will give Rs 3 crore to the owner as consideration for transferring the property to it with all rights

CHANDIGARH: To preserve its heritage, the Punjab cabinet on Monday approved the acquisition, conservation and use of Mubarik Manzil Palace, Malerkotla, Sangrur.

The state government will give Rs 3 crore to Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa, 97, the owner of the property, as consideration for transferring the property to it with all rights.

“This decision will be instrumental in preserving the rich legacy of the state and reconnect younger generations with our glorious past,” said chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who chaired the cabinet meeting through video conference.

This palace represents the courage and grace of goodness in the face of brutal force. Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla had raised his voice in support of the two younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji against the Sirhind subedar and has an honoured place in history of Punjab. Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa had written to the state government saying that she was the sole owner of the palace, also mentioning that the valuable heritage property was spread 32,400 sq ft and required to be properly conserved.

OTS cleared for industry

The state cabinet has also approved a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for traders to clear their pending arrears.

The scheme will be implemented across the state from February 1 and the state exchequer would bear a financial burden of Rs 121 crore.

All dealers whose assessments have been framed up to December 31, 2020 could apply for the benefit under the scheme, till April 30.

Dealers can even submit additional statutory forms such as C-forms which were not produced at the time of assessment, with the application form and will have to make the self-assessment and submit the proof of payment net tax payable as the result of settlement.