Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Highlights Closure of Over 36,000 Industrial Units in Maharashtra
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje has raised sharp concerns over Maharashtra’s industrial climate following official data from the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs revealing that 36,211 private companies have shut down in the state over the last five years. Highlighting that Pune alone accounted for 6,433 closures, Waje questioned the state government’s claims regarding multi-crore investment MoUs, urging authorities to focus on retaining existing businesses rather than solely chasing new commitments.
Key District-Wise Closure Figures
According to the written response provided by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, major industrial hubs experienced significant numbers of companies being liquidated, dissolved, or struck off:
- Mumbai City: 12,009 closures
- Pune District: 6,433 closures
- Thane District: 4,704 closures
Waje noted that despite well-established infrastructure in regions like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, businesses continue to shutter. He also pointed out that the Ministry failed to provide data on the total number of workers impacted or livelihoods lost due to these widespread industrial shutdowns.
Unlocking Land and Retaining Industry
Beyond addressing company closures, the MP emphasized the need to optimize industrial land usage. Vacant properties tied to closed units often remain locked for extended periods due to ongoing legal disputes, bank loans, or pending agreements. Waje urged the government to fast-track the resolution of these encumbrances so that dormant industrial land can be made available for new ventures.
Industry Leaders Cite Infrastructure Deficits and Relocation
Local industrial representatives corroborated the trend, pointing to persistent infrastructure shortcomings and uncompetitive business environments as key drivers for closures and relocations:
Civic Infrastructure Deficits: Abhay Bhor, President of the Forum of Small Scale Industries Association, criticized the lack of basic amenities in Pimpri-Chinchwad—including poor roads, inadequate street lighting, and absent industrial waste management despite heavy local tax collections.
Logistical Burden: Sandeep Belsare, President of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Small Scale Industries Association, noted that units are forced to transport waste to distant facilities like Ranjangaon at their own expense, adding significant operational costs.
Out-of-State Migration: Many units have migrated to neighboring states like Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, lured by better fiscal incentives, while others succumbed to post-pandemic financial strain and a lack of working capital refinancing.
