Maharashtra Government to Introduce 100 Reforms for Ease of Doing Business Within Two Months
In a significant move to boost industrial growth, the Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has announced plans to implement one hundred reforms aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business over the next two months. The announcement was made during the annual 'Loksatta Varsha Ved' event held in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 11, 2026. These reforms are designed to simplify processes for industries and investors across the state, with a focus on reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating investment approvals.
Striving for Bureaucracy-Less Governance
Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized the state's commitment to creating a bureaucracy-less system of governance, clarifying that this does not imply the elimination of bureaucrats but rather streamlining administrative procedures to minimize red tape. "We have to make governance bureaucracy-less, but we certainly need bureaucrats," he stated. The goal is to ensure that initiatives like single-window clearance function effectively, making investment processes less cumbersome and faster for businesses operating in Maharashtra.
Zero Tolerance on Extortion and Blackmail
At the same event, CM Fadnavis issued a stern warning against political leaders and activists involved in blackmail and extortion targeting industrialists and investors. He declared that such activities would be dealt with ruthlessly, with zero tolerance, as they not only violate the law but also damage the state's investment climate. "There will be zero tolerance for extortion as it is not only unlawful but also vitiates the investment climate of Maharashtra," he asserted. Fadnavis highlighted recent interventions where police action led to the imprisonment of individuals involved in such practices, including the application of the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) in some cases, regardless of political affiliations.
Maharashtra's Leadership in Investment Attraction
Fadnavis underscored Maharashtra's position as a top destination for investments, noting that the state accounts for nearly 40% of total foreign direct investment in India. He referenced the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Maharashtra secured investments worth Rs 30 lakh crore, leading the nation. "On an average, the realisation of MoUs in other states is 35 per cent. Whereas in Maharashtra it is 75 per cent," he explained, adding that the remaining 25% involve only technical issues without withdrawals. Defending the state's participation in global forums, he justified the expenditure as a means to attract global investors, stating, "If we can get global investors coming forward to invest in Maharashtra, what is the harm in spending Rs seven to eight lakhs."
Expanding Industrial Growth Across Regions
The chief minister highlighted the expansion of industrial investments beyond traditional hubs like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to all five regions of the state. "We tapped investments for all five districts of North Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada region," he said. Notable developments include the transformation of tribal Gadchiroli district into a major steel city and recent MoUs signed by automobile giants like Mahindra and Mahindra for Nagpur. These efforts are part of broader reforms aimed at ensuring ease of doing business and promoting digital services for greater administrative accountability.
Overall, the Maharashtra government's proactive measures signal a robust push to foster a business-friendly environment, combat corruption, and sustain the state's economic leadership through strategic reforms and strict enforcement against malpractices.
