Maha to reserve 30% plots in industrial estates for MSME units

The Maharashtra government has decided to reserve 30 per cent plots in the industrial estates in the state for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Besides, the new industrial policy to be released next year would devote special section for MSMEs, Industries Minister Rajendra Darda told Business Standard, on the sidelines of a seminar on MSMEs orgainsed by the Maharashtra Economic Development Council.

Darda said there were over 1.50 lakh MSME units that provide 12 lakh jobs in the state. These units have a collective investment of Rs 39,000 crore. He appealed to the banks and financial institutions to come forward for quick availability of credit for MSMEs.

“The state government is keen to promote MSMEs and decided to keep aside 30 per cent plots in industrial estates promoted by the state-run Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. Besides, the government has recently amended the Package Scheme of Incentives, 2007. These amendments are related to interest and development subsidies given to such units,” the minister said.

The minister said the government would encourage developing clusters in the MSME sector. “So far the government has approved 25 such clusters and 12 more are being identified. The clusters development approach envisages the measures for capacity building, skill development, technology upgradation, marketing support, setting up of common facility centre and research and development,” he added.

On the revival of sick units of the MSME sector, Darda said the government would make all efforts in this regard. “One way is through unlocking of the land possessed by the sick units where by they will be able to plough back proceeds for a restart. Nearly 181 cases are currently pending with the state labour department for clearance.”