Pune: The state government has decided to reserve 20% plots in every industrial estate for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), enabling them to start production immediately.

Speaking at the Confederation of India Industry MSME Summit on November24, State Industries Minister Subhash Desai said the initiative would be introduced in northern Maharashtra, Nashik, Nagpur, Pimpri Chinchwad and Aurangabad.

He said MSMEs played a vital role in the economic growth of the country and job creation, and the state government would support them fully.

Desai cited an example of his recent trip to the Korean province of Gyeonggi, where small units occupied reserved spaces for a couple of months to develop their products. The government extends full support in terms of funding, technological expertise, infrastructure and marketing support until they are ready to move out on their own.

Reflecting on Maharashtra’s rich history in defence, he said it was an ideal place to invite defence-related manufacturing activities. Places like Jejuri and DMIC Shendra are being specifically developed to cater to the defence manufacturing sector.

Desai also spoke about the government’s plans to develop 10 textile parks in the state, primarily in cotton-growing regions like northern Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada.

Martin Rama, World Bank’s chief economist for south Asia, released a special report titled “South Asia’s Turn: Policies to Boost Competitiveness and Create the Next Export Powerhouse” at the summit.

A K Arora, Air commodore at 9 base repair depot, Indian Air Force, in his address said MSMEs played a crucial role in the defence sector. He said the defence sector had a varied requirement of equipment manufacturing and currently only 30-40% of this requirement was being met indigenously.

Source: Times of India