MUMBAI, May 9: With a view to promote employment- generating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Maharashtra, the state government has decided to come up with a dedicated policy for such entrepreneurs.
"To promote MSMEs, which is the biggest employment generating sector, we have decided to come up with a dedicated industrial policy to provide them all necessary incentives and facilities to set up their businesses in the state," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.
The state has already prepared an industrial policy with an aim to facilitate ease of doing business for all entrepreneurs, he said at a seminar, 'Parivartan', organised jointly by Maharashtra government and industry body CII here.
"There has been a misconception that this industrial policy is only for large businesses and that there is nothing for the MSMEs. But now we have decided to introduce a policy that will only take care of the needs of MSMEs."
At present, Fadnavis said, nearly 50 per cent of Maharashtra's population is below the age of 25 years and there is a need to provide employment to them.
"To provide employment to this large population, we will have to promote the MSME sector. Also, we are working towards reducing the number of approvals required for setting up a business to 25 from the current 76. We believe that by July we will be able to achieve this target."
Speaking at the event, State Industries Minister Subhash Desai said the government is planning to set up an organisation to cater to the needs of MSMEs.
He said the trade and investment facilitation cell, 'Maitri', started by the government in Mumbai, will now be launched across the state in phases. The cell looks into the requirements of investors and facilitates business partnerships for MSMEs.
Maitri also functions as a clearing house for all investment-related information like clearances, incentives, subsidies, grievances, and assists the state in projecting investment opportunity.
Earlier in the day, Union MSME Secretary Madhav Lal said: "The Centre is committed to the development of these entrepreneurs and is in continuous interaction with the state government to resolve their issues surrounding credit, skill development, infrastructure, marketing and technology."
