Mumbai, August 27: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Wednesday that the state remains a key “growth engine” of the country’s economy.
He emphasized that while large corporations often dominate headlines, the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector is the backbone of the economy. This sector is crucial for manufacturing essential components, supplying spare parts, and creating local employment opportunities.
Fadnavis highlighted the significant role of the MSME sector in the automobile and engineering industries in Pune and its surrounding areas. He noted that it contributes to providing local alternatives to imports and promotes the “local to global” mindset.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing event with 49 MSME units at the Chakan-Bhosari industrial center in Pune. He mentioned that new investments totaling ₹2,320.97 crores would boost the state’s economy, enhance production capacity, create thousands of job opportunities, and strengthen Pune’s industrial framework.
To ensure the planned development of the MSME sector, the government has initiated a comprehensive “MSME Census” across the state. This census aims to gather precise information on the size, operational capacity, employment statistics, and infrastructure needs of small industries.
Fadnavis assured the 49 MSME units that their projects would be implemented swiftly, without the delays typical of traditional agreements. He stated, “The signing units aim to commence operations within one to two years. The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation and the Department of Industries have been instructed to expedite land allocation and the provision of basic facilities.”
According to the Chief Minister, industrial areas that are 30 to 40 years old will be modernized and developed into autonomous “industrial cities.” This initiative will begin in Pune district, utilizing locally collected taxes for regional administration, sanitation, and infrastructure maintenance.
State Industries Minister Uday Samant dismissed rumors of industries relocating out of Maharashtra, asserting that the state’s industrial environment remains the best in the country. He stated, “No entrepreneur from the Chakan-Bhosari area or any part of Maharashtra has moved their business elsewhere. Investor confidence remains strong, and the rising demand for land in the Chakan area is proof of this.”
Recently, several industrial establishments in Chakan expressed concerns over poor roads, waste management issues, inadequate power substations, lack of streetlights, and absence of truck terminals. They noted that 70-meter-wide MIDC roads often narrow to just 8 meters at various points, causing severe traffic congestion daily.
Some industries warned that if their issues were not resolved, they might consider relocating their operations. In response to these complaints, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the formation of a 14-member committee, chaired by the Pune district collector and the Pimpri-Chinchwad police commissioner, to monitor timely development works and address grievances.
Following this, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also visited the Chakan industrial area to review road repair works.
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