Mumbai, Feb 7 (NationPress) In a bid to simplify the investment journey and eliminate bureaucratic delays, the Maharashtra government has introduced the MAITRI (Maharashtra Industry, Trade and Investment Facilitation Cell) 2.0 Portal. This initiative showcases the state government's determination to create a conducive environment for the industrial sector to flourish with minimal regulatory interference and maximum efficiency.

The portal was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday and is now fully operational.

The launch coincides with the recent signing of MoUs totaling Rs 15.70 lakh crore during the World Economic Forum's annual summit in Davos, where the chief minister emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business, thereby maintaining Maharashtra's leadership in attracting both domestic and foreign investments.

According to Industry Secretary P Anbalagan, the portal has been carefully crafted to reduce the need for direct interactions between industry stakeholders and government officials.

“By consolidating a wide array of services under one digital roof, the portal has drastically reduced the time and effort previously associated with administrative processes. This streamlining goes beyond mere convenience; it signifies a transformative shift toward a governance model that is agile, responsive, and, most importantly, mindful of the valuable time and resources invested by the business community,” he remarked.

As stated by the industry secretary, the portal aims to foster a governance structure that is not only leaner but also more effective. This model aims to eliminate redundancies, hasten decision-making, and provide services with unmatched precision and swiftness.

The MAITRI 2.0 Portal integrates 119 services across 16 departments, establishing a cohesive online ecosystem for government-to-business (G2B) services. The transparent processing of applications and proactive escalation in instances of delays via real-time tracking (RTS) Timelines guarantee timely and efficient service delivery.

“This all-encompassing service integration approach highlights the state’s dedication to creating an environment where businesses can thrive with minimal bureaucratic hurdles,” Anbalagan stated.

“The real-time tracking feature of the MAITRI 2.0 Portal provides investors with a transparent view of their application's journey, down to the desk level. This detail ensures investors remain informed about their applications' status, fostering trust and reliability in the system. Additionally, the online query resolution mechanism facilitates rapid communication and resolution of issues, further minimizing the need for in-person interactions,” said State Development Commissioner Deependra Singh Kushwah.

“By offering a clear and straightforward path for compliance, the MAITRI 2.0 Portal not only conserves invaluable time for investors but also improves the predictability and transparency of the investment process. This progressive strategy reduces government touchpoints, thus lessening the potential for delays and uncertainties that often hinder industrial advancement,” he added.

Moreover, the portal features an 'Incentive Calculator' designed to ensure a user-centric experience. Directly accessible from the MAITRI 2.0 homepage, the Incentive Calculator clarifies the financial benefits available to investors, providing a clear overview of various incentives, including exemptions and subsidies, in line with the current policy framework.

Additionally, the portal includes public dashboards that offer stakeholders a wealth of information regarding service approvals, disposal rates, and compliance statistics.

Through MAITRI 2.0, Maharashtra aims to secure a leading position in Ease of Doing Business by providing a streamlined single-window clearance system for all investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in the state.

It also targets the expedited implementation of industrial projects across Maharashtra.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)