VIA submits reform charter to boost growth in Vid

 

 

The Vidarbha Industries Association (VIA), the apex industrial body of the region, has submitted a comprehensive set of growth-oriented recommendations to the Government of Maharashtra under the upcoming New Industrial Policy and Package Scheme of Incentives (PSI), aimed at unlocking Vidarbha’s long-pending industrial potential. VIA President Prashant Mohota led the delegation in an interaction with Dr P Anbalagan, Principal Secretary (Industries), and presented critical structural reforms required to attract fresh investments, strengthen MSMEs, generate employment, and ensure sustainable industrial growth. One of VIA’s most significant proposals is the redefinition of “Mega Project” status for Vidarbha, reducing the qualifying investment threshold from Rs 350 crore to Rs 150 crore and employment criteria from 500 to 250 workers.

 

To address limitations of GST-linked incentives, VIA has proposed a choice-based incentive model, allowing industries to opt between 100 per cent SGST refund plus 2 per cent on export/interstate sales or 50 per cent capital subsidy, ensuring fairness for exporters, agro-based industries, and low-GST sectors. VIA flagged a massive subsidy disbursement backlog exceeding Rs 7,500 crore, with MSME claims pending since April 2025 and large and mega project subsidies delayed since January 2023. VIA has demanded a mandatory six-month disbursement timeline to prevent financial stress and project closures. VIA has strongly advocated capital subsidy for green infrastructure such as ETPs, Zero Liquid Discharge, captive solar power, EV transport, and rainwater harvesting; logistics subsidies for exporters without restrictive export-turnover conditions; a dedicated women-led industrial park to empower women entrepreneurs with land ownership, finance access, and skill development.

 

VIA has also sought a separate Circular Economy Policy with 40 per cent capital subsidy and 5 per cent interest subsidy, to promote recycling, waste-to-wealth and resource-efficient industries. It further demanded that full resale value of MIDC land be treated as eligible investment, unlocking stalled industrial land across the region. “Vidarbha has the talent, resources and entrepreneurial strength. What it needs now is policy justice, timely incentives, and regional sensitivity,” said VIA President Mr. Prashant Mohota. “These reforms can convert Vidarbha into a high-employment, green manufacturing hub of Maharashtra.”