Maharashtra Plans Major MSME Push as CM Devendra Fadnavis Orders Statewide Industry Survey

New Industrial Policies to Focus on Jobs, Technology, Investments, and Ease of Doing Business

Maharashtra is preparing for a major industrial growth drive after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the state's Industries Department to conduct a comprehensive survey of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The survey will help the government understand the current condition of the sector and create new policies aimed at generating jobs, attracting investments, and improving industrial competitiveness.

The announcement came during a high-level review meeting of the Industries Department held at the Chief Minister's official residence, Varsha, where officials discussed future industrial strategies for the state.

Statewide MSME Survey to Shape Future Industrial Policies

Recognizing MSMEs as the backbone of Maharashtra's economy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed officials to launch a detailed survey covering businesses across the state. The exercise will evaluate production capacity, workforce availability, employment potential, existing infrastructure, and operational challenges faced by MSMEs.

The findings are expected to provide valuable data that will help the government design targeted industrial policies, improve support systems, and identify sectors with the highest growth potential.

Industry experts have consistently emphasized that data-driven policymaking allows governments to create more effective business support programs while improving investment planning and regional industrial development.

Government Wants More Investments to Become Operational Industries

Maharashtra continues to attract one of the highest levels of domestic and foreign investment in India. However, the Chief Minister stressed that investment announcements alone are not enough.

He directed officials to focus on converting investment proposals into operational manufacturing units and business facilities that create long-term employment opportunities. According to him, future industrial policies should prioritize sectors capable of generating significant employment while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Officials were also asked to work closely with industry specialists, successful entrepreneurs, and business leaders to identify policy gaps and simplify procedures for investors.

Employment-Centric Growth Strategy for Maharashtra

A major focus of the government's industrial roadmap is employment generation. Since MSMEs employ millions of people across manufacturing, services, food processing, engineering, textiles, and other sectors, the government plans to strengthen the ecosystem supporting these businesses.

The Chief Minister instructed the Industries Department to:

• Identify high-potential industrial sectors based on investor demand.
• Build dedicated support systems for priority industries.
• Encourage greater use of advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Increase production capacity and job creation.
• Improve industrial infrastructure across Maharashtra.

The approach aligns with India's broader objective of strengthening domestic manufacturing while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises through technology adoption and policy reforms.

New Policies to Support Convention Centers, Chemical Parks and Circular Economy

During the review meeting, several upcoming industrial policy proposals were also discussed.

The Chief Minister suggested adding provisions for large convention and exhibition centers under Maharashtra's Media and Arena Policy to strengthen the state's business events infrastructure.

He also directed officials to include dedicated chemical parks in the proposed Chemical Industry Policy to support industrial expansion while improving sector-specific infrastructure.

Another important proposal is the development of a comprehensive Circular Economy Policy. The policy aims to encourage efficient resource use, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable industrial practices, helping industries reduce environmental impact while improving long-term competitiveness.

MAITRI Portal to Become Single Window for Industrial Approvals

To improve ease of doing business, Chief Minister Fadnavis instructed that all industrial approvals should be processed through the MAITRI Portal, Maharashtra's digital single-window clearance platform.

Officials were directed to improve service delivery, reduce approval timelines, and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms for businesses.

The government is also considering setting up a dedicated investor support call centre. The proposed system would use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyze recorded customer interactions, identify recurring issues faced by entrepreneurs, and provide insights for future policy improvements and administrative reforms.

MIDC Asked to Ensure Transparent Industrial Land Allocation

The Chief Minister also reviewed land allocation procedures handled by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC).

He instructed the corporation to adopt a transparent, practical, and demand-based system for allocating industrial land. The objective is to ensure that land is distributed fairly, based on project feasibility and genuine industrial demand, while improving investor confidence and encouraging faster project implementation.

Transparent land allocation has become increasingly important as Maharashtra competes with other Indian states to attract manufacturing investments in sectors such as electronics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Maharashtra Strengthens Its Position as India's Manufacturing Hub

The latest directions from the Chief Minister indicate Maharashtra's broader strategy of combining investment promotion with employment generation, digital governance, technology adoption, and sustainable industrial development.

By conducting a detailed MSME survey, introducing sector-focused industrial policies, modernizing approval systems, and improving land allocation processes, the state aims to strengthen its position as one of India's leading manufacturing and investment destinations.

The proposed reforms are expected to benefit entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and MSMEs while creating new employment opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth across Maharashtra.