Controversial Khadki bungalow turns into institute for soldiers
TNN | Updated: Aug 12, 2017, 11:21 AM IST
Former President Pratibha Patil was allocated the bungalow in 2012
PUNE: A sprawling bungalow, allocated to former President Pratibha Patil in 2012, is now Rajendra Sinhji Army Mess and Institution (RSAMI). It will be inaugurated by Lt Gen P M Hariz before Independence Day.
Patil gave up the bungalow after a controversy rose over its sheer size.
Later, the government allotted her a new bungalow called Raigad on Pashan Road. Southern Command authorities took over the first bungalow's possession.
A senior officer closely associated with RSAMI told TOI, "In mid-2015, higher authorities decided to convert the bungalow into an officers' mess."
"The city has a huge number of serving army officer and veterans. The Rajendra Sinhji Institute often gets crowded. Hence, most officers prefer to make their own arrangement at private facilities. The new institute will address this issue," the officer said.
Serving army officers posted at Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, College of Military Engineering and Shivneri Brigade in Aundh can avail this facility.
Since the previous construction was meant to be a residence, the army had to change the building plan.
"We had to change the size of the kitchen and create open space keeping in mind the requirements of the institute," the officer said.
The institute, constructed by BEG and CME at a cost of Rs 7 crore, can accommodate 2,000 people.
It has a "Khadki" theme with the dining hall named after Mula river and the bar after BEG's battle honours.
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