Maharashtra Cabinet Approves New MSME Commissionerate With 20 Percent Plot Concessions
The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the establishment of an independent commissionerate for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to support local industries. State Industries Minister Uday Samant announced the decision on Saturday during the Maharashtra MSME Summit & Awards at the CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Centre in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, noting that the new administrative body addresses a long-standing demand from the sector.
To encourage further investments, the state government is extending a 20 percent concession on industrial plots for MSMEs alongside various tax concessions. Additionally, the government plans to introduce a dedicated incentive scheme for Marathi entrepreneurs settled abroad.
Starting next month, the state will launch the country's first "janata darbar" grievance redressal tour for industrialists. Senior officials, including the principal secretary, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) chief executive officer, and the GST commissioner, will travel across districts to address industrial grievances directly.
During the summit, Dr. P. Anbalagan, the principal secretary of industries, highlighted the growth of the sector, stating that Maharashtra added nearly 1.5 million MSME units over the last 15 months. This growth brings the state's total number of MSME units close to 10 million as Maharashtra works toward becoming a $1-trillion economy.
Anbalagan added that the state government is currently drafting a new MSME policy. This policy will focus on technology adoption, exports, inclusive growth, cluster-based industrial development, plug-and-play infrastructure, and smart manufacturing centres.
Minister Samant also emphasized the state's overall industrial performance, citing a Reserve Bank of India report that ranks Maharashtra first in the country for attracting foreign direct investment. He noted that the state's 'Maitri' single-window portal guarantees industrial approvals within 30 days, warning that officials responsible for delays will face disciplinary action.
The summit in Vashi also featured the launch of the Maharashtra MSME Export Development Programme portal, the signing of an agreement between MSSIDC and Amazon to boost market access, and the presentation of 22 awards to outstanding enterprises.
