Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Pushes 100 Amendments to Boost Ease of Doing Business and Exports

Mumbai, 22nd August 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday emphasized the need for sweeping reforms to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Maharashtra, particularly in light of challenges posed by US tariffs on Indian exports. Speaking at a meeting with industry officials and state bureaucrats, Fadnavis announced plans to introduce 100 amendments to streamline processes for businesses across the state.

“We will set up a dedicated War Room to monitor and enhance the EoDB policy, with monthly reviews to ensure continuous improvement,” Fadnavis said. He added that the recent imposition of tariffs by the US should not be viewed as a setback but as an opportunity to strengthen the state’s business environment and explore alternative markets.

Currently, Maharashtra’s exports to the US are dominated by gems and jewellery (38.9%), followed by electronics and ESDM (17.6%), chemicals (8%), and engineering goods and auto components (7.7%). “We are considering power and tariff subsidies for exporters. In addition, we are focused on clearing pending incentives for industrial units and MSMEs,” a senior official who attended the meeting said.

The state recently cleared incentives worth Rs 1,300 crore to MSMEs, with another Rs 2,500 crore set to be disbursed soon. “Since MSMEs operate on limited capital, it is vital that the government supports them to cope with market challenges,” Fadnavis noted.

He also highlighted the need for private industrial parks, stating that the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) should draft plans to encourage their development. The CM called for improvements to the single-window portal for industry licenses, including exemption from permission requirements for agro-based industries spanning up to five hectares.

“Pollution fines for industries that do not harm the environment should be revised, and no additional fines should be imposed unnecessarily,” Fadnavis said. He stressed reducing the time taken for approvals and speeding up the process of calculating land requirements for industrial projects.

Further, the state plans to create a land bank to ensure availability of industrial plots, make the allocation process more transparent, and guarantee environmental permits within 60 days. Maharashtra is also set to launch a ‘Dedicated Export Portal’ aimed at increasing exports and helping local businesses tap global markets.