Will Maharashtra's Skill Development Centre Transform Aurangabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 20,000 sq. ft. Skill Development Centre to be built.
- Partnership with CII for industrial growth.
- Focus on attracting GCC investments.
- Integration of housing policies for comprehensive development.
- Commitment to enhancing the startup ecosystem.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) A 20,000 sq. ft. Skill Development Centre is being planned for establishment at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). An MoU is anticipated to be signed next week, as stated in an official announcement released on Sunday.
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), confirmed this initiative during his recent visit to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar to evaluate the progress of industrial infrastructure and the development of startups within the area.
The Secretary underscored the importance of drawing in Global Capability Centre (GCC) investments and nurturing the establishment of Research and Development centres at AURIC, aiming to enrich the region's innovation and industrial landscape.
Participants also advocated for the integration of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 subsidies with state housing initiatives to create a holistic package for inclusive residential development, thereby facilitating the growth of a comprehensive industrial township.
The visit featured an industry interaction session led by the Secretary at AURIC Hall, attended by key players, including industry associations such as MASSIA, CMIA, CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM.
During discussions, stakeholders proposed initiatives like enhanced connectivity between Aurangabad-Hyderabad-Chennai, the establishment of an MRO facility and Vande Bharat terminal, improved logistics access at Bidkin, local train services between Jalna and Waluj, affordable housing through MHADA, and a designated chemical zone, as per the statement.
Further recommendations included increasing MSME land reservation from 10 per cent to 40 per cent, allocating 10 per cent land for startups, and enhancing soft infrastructure and skill development at AURIC. P. Anbalagan, Secretary of the Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra, also shared the state’s strategic vision for industrial advancement via initiatives like MITL and MMLP.
The Secretary's visit commenced with an interactive session at the Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council (MAGIC), where he connected with aspiring entrepreneurs, incubators, and startup founders from the region. He commended their innovation and emphasized the Government's robust support through initiatives like Startup India, Fund of Funds, and sector-specific incentives designed to bolster the startup ecosystem, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
His tour also included the Bidkin Industrial area, where he assessed crucial infrastructure sites including JSW Green-Tech Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar facility, and the Water Treatment Plant. The visit progressed to the Shendra Industrial Area, where he inspected vital industrial units such as NLMK India, Hyosung T and D Pvt. Ltd., and Coatall Films Pvt. Ltd.. He acknowledged their contributions to high-value manufacturing and employment generation, which are vital to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Additionally, he reviewed the industrial infrastructure at AURIC, including the Water Treatment Plant, Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), the modern AURIC Hall, and the 3D city model of Shendra.
Bhatia reaffirmed that collaboration between government and industry is crucial to positioning Maharashtra as a global center for manufacturing and innovation. The session saw proactive engagement from industry associations and the Government of Maharashtra, highlighting their joint commitment to stimulate industrial growth in the region, the statement concluded.