Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 17: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday directed the state Industry Department to prepare comprehensive, investor-friendly policies with a strong emphasis on sectors capable of generating large-scale employment, ensuring that investment proposals translate into operational industries on the ground.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Industry Department at his official residence, Varsha, the Chief Minister said Maharashtra must strengthen its position as the country's leading investment destination by creating a globally competitive industrial ecosystem. Industry Minister Uday Samant was also present at the meeting.

Fadnavis instructed officials to undertake a comprehensive survey of the state's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to assess their current status, production capacity, employment generation and future growth potential. The findings, he said, should guide future policy decisions aimed at strengthening the MSME sector.

He stressed that new industrial policies should be prepared after extensive consultations with industry experts and successful entrepreneurs so that existing operational hurdles can be identified and removed. Effective implementation of these policies, he added, would accelerate Maharashtra's industrial growth.

The Chief Minister asked the department to identify high-growth industrial sectors, align MSME development with the evolving needs of investors, enhance production capacity and employment opportunities, and encourage the adoption of advanced technologies to modernise small industries.

Fadnavis also highlighted several priority sectors requiring dedicated policy support. He directed officials to simplify Ease of Doing Business procedures to facilitate the development of mega convention centres across major cities. He also called for modern infrastructure to be incorporated into the upcoming Chemical Industry Policy to improve efficiency and generate employment.

He further instructed the department to formulate a policy promoting sustainable industrial development and the circular economy, while ensuring that administrative processes remain business-friendly and efficient.

To improve governance and reduce delays, the Chief Minister made it mandatory for all industrial approvals to be processed through the MAITRI Portal. He said the portal should offer high-quality services and ensure prompt resolution of investor grievances.

Fadnavis also directed the Industry Department to establish a dedicated investor call centre. He said all interactions should be recorded and analysed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify recurring administrative issues and enable timely policy improvements.

The Chief Minister further asked the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to adopt a more scientific and feasibility-based approach while allocating industrial land to prevent underutilisation and maximise industrial productivity.

During the meeting, officials reviewed several recently finalised industrial policies, including the Industrial Investment and Services Policy 2025, Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025, AVGC-XR Policy 2025, Gems and Jewellery Policy 2025, Bamboo Industry Policy 2025, and the Bio-Plastic Policy 2026.

The department also presented proposals for new policies covering sectors such as leather and footwear, garments and apparel, media and entertainment, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, medical devices, defence and aerospace, electronics and semiconductors, MSMEs, chemicals and biofuels.