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Maharashtra Slashes Permissions & Power Costs to Boost Ease of Doing Business

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced major reforms to improve the state's ease of doing business. The changes include shifting 20 mandatory industrial permissions to a self-certification model and planning systematic reductions in electricity rates over five years. He detailed that power costs will drop to Rs 9.97 per unit, aiming for Maharashtra to have the country's lowest rates by 2028-29. The government is also bolstering the Maitri Portal for single-window clearances and emphasizing green infrastructure and support for MSMEs.

Key Points: Maharashtra Eases Business with Fewer Permits, Lower Power Costs

  • 20 of 33 permits now self-certified
  • Power rates to fall from Rs 10.88 to Rs 9.97/unit
  • Maitri Portal empowered for single-window clearance
  • Focus on green infrastructure and MSME support
2 min read

Ease of business: Maha cuts permissions and power cost, says CM Fadnavis

CM Fadnavis announces 20 permits move to self-certification and a plan to cut electricity rates, aiming for India's lowest power costs by 2029.

Ease of business: Maha cuts permissions and power cost, says CM Fadnavis
"Our strategy is No Nonsense Business. We are determined to create a stable and transparent environment. - Devendra Fadnavis"

Mumbai, March 28

In a push for "Ease of Doing Business," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday announced significant reforms to the state's industrial licensing process. ​

Of the 33 previously required mandatory permissions, 20 have now been shifted to a self‑certification model. ​

He assured that efforts are underway to reduce the remaining 13 permissions in the near future.​

The Chief Minister further stated that electricity rates in the state are set to decrease systematically over the next five years. ​

He made these announcements during a seminar discussing the establishment of a Bulk Drug Park and Life Sciences Hub.​

Providing a major boost to investor confidence, Fadnavis debunked projections of rising costs, noting that while electricity rates were expected to climb to Rs 15.87 per unit, government intervention will instead bring the current rate of Rs 10.88 down to Rs 9.97 per unit. ​

He claimed that by 2028-29, Maharashtra will emerge as the state with the lowest electricity rates in the country.​

To ensure a seamless environment for industries, the Maitri Portal has been empowered with comprehensive statutory authorities for single‑window clearance, transparency, and accountability.

"All permissions will now be available under one roof. Every application can be tracked in real time. Strict action will be taken against agencies that fail to provide services within the stipulated timeframe," said the Chief Minister.​

According to Fadnavis, the state is prioritising green and sustainable infrastructure. Plans include establishing Common Effluent Treatment Plants and integrating circular economy principles to help industries transition to eco‑friendly technologies. ​

He highlighted that the government is committed to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Incentives will not be limited to large‑scale industries but will also extend to their suppliers and vendors. ​

The goal is to create a world‑class, affordable, and competitive industrial ecosystem through Public‑Private Partnerships.​

Fadnavis reiterated the government's firm stance on industrial growth. ​

"Our strategy is No Nonsense Business. We are determined to create a stable and transparent environment," he noted. ​

He expressed confidence that these initiatives would make Maharashtra a global competitor, setting a benchmark for the rest of India.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Promises on paper are one thing, implementation is another. We've heard about 'ease of doing business' for years. The real test will be if my cousin's chemical unit in Nagpur actually gets its expansion cleared in 30 days without any 'unofficial' fees. Fingers crossed.
A
Arjun K
Lower electricity costs are a game-changer for manufacturing. If Maharashtra can truly offer power below Rs. 10/unit, it will attract massive investment away from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The focus on green tech and common effluent plants is also very welcome for sustainable growth.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the life sciences sector, the announcement about the Bulk Drug Park is very encouraging. India needs to reduce its dependence on China for APIs. If the infrastructure and clearances are streamlined, this could be a major boost for pharma R&D and jobs.
K
Karthik V
Good steps, but the government must ensure that "self-certification" does not lead to later harassment by inspectors. The system should be based on trust and random audits, not creating new ways to fine businesses. Transparency in the Maitri portal is key.
M
Meera T
Including MSMEs and their vendors in the incentive scheme is a smart, inclusive approach. Big industries create demand, but it's the small suppliers who create widespread employment. Hope this translates to better credit access and technology upgrades for our local workshops.

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