The Vibrant India Economic Council (VIEC) has been actively addressing the challenges faced by MSMEs affected by forest mutations in land revenue records. Their efforts aim to streamline processes and provide relief to affected legitimate industries and industrial layouts majorly comprising of MSMEs struggling with legal ambiguities related to land use as industrial on account of delayed forest mutation post development.
MSME Today previously reported on the #EmpowerMSME movement in our August 2023 issue. Since then, a significant development has taken place, and this article aims to spread awareness for entities that may be similarly affected.
Brief Development:
The Union MSME Minister, acting on VIEC’s representation, officially reached out to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEFCC). MOEFCC acknowledging the representation convened a meeting with VIEC for detail understanding of the issue. Mr Manoj Patil, Director VIEC presented an in-depth report, outlining the impact of forest mutations on MSMEs and emphasizing the need of sustainably addressing the same.
The MOEFCC issued directives to the Maharashtra state government to seek approval from the Supreme Court for granting relief to the affected entities. Furthermore, the state’s Industry Department has also addressed the issue to the state Revenue and Forest Department advocating for swift action based on VIEC’s detailed submissions.
Currently, the State Government is in the process of obtaining permission from the apex court to implement relief measures on representation received from Vibrant India Economic Council. This advocacy is a part of the #EmpowerMSME movement, led by Mr. Manoj Patil, with technical support from CA Pawan Kolte of Kolte & Associates LLP, who also serves as a Non Executive Director at VIEC.
VIEC Chairman Mr. Mahesh Tapase and Non Executive Director Advocate Ashish Fule have extended full support, for ensuring the movement’s progress. This collaborative effort reflects VIEC’s commitment for promoting sustainable growth and seeking legal clarity for MSMEs or industries affected by mutation of forest in their land revenue record.
