MAHARASHTRA’S PORTS AND Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane seemed upbeat about Maharashtra reaching the $1 trillion economy target by 2030. His ministry, he said at THE WEEK’s $1 Trillion Economy Maharashtra: The Road Ahead event, would actively contribute towards that goal.
The groundwork for that has already been laid, with Maharashtra becoming the first state in India to launch a dedicated shipbuilding, ship repair and ship recycling policy. The aim is to attract Rs6,600 crore in investments. It offers a 15 per cent capital subsidy, fast-tracked single-window clearances and concessional land leases to boost the maritime sector in the state.
Rane said that he had closely observed the maritime policies of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, and realised that both states had focused strongly on expanding cargo operations to strengthen their position on the global maritime map. “We are also framing a policy for cargo handling through which we can open our doors to the best players from across the country and the world,” he said. “Whatever Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh offer today, Maharashtra will be offering much more in the near future. After observing Adani’s port in Gujarat, we want them to establish a port in Maharashtra as well.”
Rane also observed that during his interactions with young people, he found that many were interested in jobs in the maritime and port sectors. “Our chief minister has instructed the skill development ministry to introduce courses to prepare them for the new employment opportunities in the port sector,” he said. “We are looking to create around 50,000 to 60,000 jobs in the shipbuilding industry by 2030.”
Rane was candid about his personal goal as well. “I want to be remembered as a minster who gave the highest priority to Maharashtra’s ports sector,” he said, “and helped position the state among the top three states in maritime development in the country.”
