Maharashtra government plans to set up exclusive defence production complex

Maharashtra government plans to set up exclusive defence production complex

Mumbai, Mar 9: Maharashtra government is planning to set up industrial facilities exclusively (विशेष रूप से) for defence equipment production in the state. The government has identified land for setting up two such facilities, one at Jejuri near Pune and another in Ahmednagar district, a source in the state Industries department told PTI. Some of the companies interested in entering the area have demanded land for testing explosives (विस्फोटक) and other defence related equipment, in places like hilly terrain and sites away from human habitat. That is why the government intends to set up complexes exclusively for defence (रक्षा) equipment production, he said. Some leading Maharashtra-based private companies have shown interest in venturing into defence equipment production. The state government had last week said that it would set up a fund of Rs 1,000 crore for helping manufacturers in the defence sector. The government had also said that it expects an investment of USD 5 billion in this area in the state. The state’s draft defence and aerospace (अंतरिक्ष ) policy is expected to be approved soon by the Centre, the source said. Maharashtra government has studied the policies of the Centre and states like Telangana before finalising its own. The state government wants that its policy is in sync with that of the Centre, he said.