Make in India Week: State role key in Make in India plan, says CM Devendra Fadnavis

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Fadnavis said, “Maharashtra, which has always taken the lead in industrial growth, will have to consolidate its gains during the event, which would provide greater impetus to overall growth at national levels. Maharashtra can’t be found lacking in all critical sectors from manufacturing to textiles even amid reports of a sluggish economy globally.”

The 11 per cent growth in agriculture with 55 per cent relying on it for sustenance is a clear mismatch. Therefore, we are planning 20 textile hubs in cotton growing districts to promote “Farm to Fashion”.

Similarly, a multi-national project with the government of Maharashtra, and Coca Cola for food processing at Morshi in Vidarbha with investments of Rs 500 crore will generate employment for 15 lakh. These plans and manufacturing of aircraft with an investment of Rs 6,500 crore to begin with, at MIHAN, will help mitigate the agro-crisis to a great extent in Maharashtra.

Mumbai is ready to host the mega event at its sprawling MMRDA grounds in Bandra Kurla Complex. On Friday, Fadnavis walked down the pavilion to review the preparations and suggest corrective measures.

The state has set a target to increase contribution from manufacturing to 28 per cent. And also ensure the agro-growth is above 11 per cent to maintain an average of 10 to 12 per cent in Maharashtra. The state always had an edge over average national growth, and is currently posting 7 per cent growth.

The CM said, “At the outset, let us be clear that Make In India is not just about showcasing our Lion. It is to convey a message to the world about our strength and potential in multi sectors through mutual partnerships. Maharashtra’s leadership will work to India’s advantage and also help us transform Mumbai into an International Finance Centre.”

The chief minister, emphasising on Make in Maharashtra and looking at integrating three critical sectors —manufacturing and industries, agro-sector and services sector – said, “Today, we cannot afford to dwell on individual sector in isolation.”

“If anybody were to ask me what is the single biggest challenge in Maharashtra, my answer would be agrarian crisis due to recurring drought for the last four consecutive years that have left 25,000 villages reeling under water scarcity in 40,000 villages.”

“The engineering innovation coupled with adoption of technology to make agriculture more farmer friendly is the chief objective which my government would work through textile sectors, food processing sectors in Make In India,” he said.

The chief minister also said that labour sector reforms driven by labour welfare and not industries alone is being pushed by the government on priority.

Notwithstanding the competition from 17 states fiercely seeking their share of investments, Maharashtra has set a modest target of Rs 4 to 5 lakh crore through multi-sectors including manufacturing, automobile, textile, food processing, engineering and infrastructure.