A delegation from the Chamber of Small Industry Associations (COSIA) met with the Development Commissioner (Industries), Government of Maharashtra, Shri Deependra Singh Kushwah (IAS), on 16th July 2025 at the New Administrative Building, Mumbai. The meeting was convened to discuss pressing challenges faced by industries in regions including Wada, Palghar, Murbad, Bhiwandi, and Shahpur, in response to COSIA’s detailed representation dated 8th July 2025.
The COSIA delegation was led by Mr. Ninad Jaywant, Hon. General Secretary. Other representatives present included Mr. Chirag Doshi (COSIA CMC Member), Mr. Manoj Patil (Shahpur Industries Association), Mr. Mukesh Uttmani (President, Murbad Manufacturers Association and COSIA CMC Member), Mr. Pramod Khosla (President, Wada Industries Association), and Mr. Anurag Dhawan (Wada Industries Association).
Key Issues Discussed:
- Power Supply in Wada & Surrounding Regions
Senior MSEDCL official Chief Engineer (Kalyan Div) Mr. Mishra assured the delegation that improved and qualitative electricity supply will be ensured on or before 31st August 2025. COSIA highlighted the need for urgent action in areas facing daily disruptions due to poor electricity quality and damaged underground cables, especially in Wada and the Pimplas area of Bhiwandi.
- Road Infrastructure
The Bhiwandi-Wada Road is still expected to take 12 to 18 months for completion. Immediate repairs of potholes on the same stretch were emphasized, given the safety and logistics concerns raised by industries. The Development Commissioner took serious note of the matter and assured follow-up with the relevant departments.
- ESIC Hospitals
The delegation raised concerns about healthcare access and requested better medical infrastructure for industrial workers. A separate meeting will be convened shortly by the Development Commissioner to address the ESIC hospital-related concerns.
- Regulatory Challenges (MMRDA-MPCB NOC Requirement)
COSIA reiterated the issue where MPCB has withheld consents due to the new requirement of obtaining NOC from MMRDA. This has impacted numerous industries operating in MMRDA-notified zones, especially MSMEs in Bhiwandi. A request was made to exempt industries (at least up to Orange Category) from this NOC requirement and enable direct consent from MPCB for existing units.
A policy recommendation was also proposed: industries in newly notified Metropolitan Development Areas should be deemed approved, eliminating the need for redundant re-approvals.
- DISH Factory License and MPCB Consent
COSIA requested the Government to make the Factory Licence system under DISH fully digital, similar to the Udyam Registration. The MPCB consent process must also be made more transparent and time-bound, reducing manual intervention and improving Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
The Development Commissioner assured the delegation that all concerned officials were present and have taken note of the issues raised. He has scheduled a follow-up meeting on 31st August 2025 to review the status of pending issues and assess the progress made on complaints submitted by COSIA.
Prior to this meeting, COSIA had submitted a detailed representation to the Development Commissioner, highlighting the above challenges and proposing constructive policy recommendations to support MSME growth and improve operational ease.