Hon. Chief Secretary of Maharashtra outlines the state’s ambitious vision for integrated development, connectivity, and economic opportunities to meet future urban challenges.
In an exclusive interview with Ronita D’souza for H&B Media Network, Smt. Sujata Saunik, Hon. Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, shares her visionary approach to transforming the state into an economic and urban powerhouse. She outlines Maharashtra’s roadmap to becoming a $2 trillion economy while fostering inclusive, sustainable growth, from enhancing connectivity and infrastructure to addressing climate challenges and empowering women
Driving Maharashtra’s Transformation
You scripted history by becoming Maharashtra’s first female Chief Secretary after 64 years; how does that feel? And why do you think it took so long from a gender equity perspective?
It is truly an honour and privilege to serve as the first female Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, one of the critical states of the Indian Union. This milestone represents the progress our State is making towards greater gender inclusivity. This is one of the first steps towards the journey of equity that the State has initiated, and we still have a long way ahead of us. With greater involvement of women in setting development agendas with policies promoting gender equity and greater acceptability of capable and eligible women in key leadership roles, we can slowly dismantle the barriers women face for selection in leadership posts across sectors.
As someone of immense responsibility, how do you see your leadership influencing policy and inspiring more women to pursue leadership roles in government and public administration?
My effort is always that my tenure sets an example of efficient and effective governance that prioritises innovation and a fresh approach to chronic problems and allows more
views to be a part of the policy-making process. I hope that by my example, I can inspire more women not only in public administration but in other streams as well to aim to reach
the pinnacle of their professions on merit. And that women are unafraid to explore their full potential professionally. Ultimately, leadership is not only about holding positions
but being able to deliver on shared goals and pave the way for others to follow. I am committed to ensuring my legacy reflects all the above and contributes to the overall empowerment of women.
What are the first five priority tasks on your agenda to make Maharashtra a vibrant destination for investment?
The government is advancing Maharashtra as a prime investment destination through key initiatives that are: Lay the groundwork by ensuring safety and liveability across Maharashtra. Initiatives like expanded CCTV surveillance, Nirbhaya squads, and advanced AI tools like MARVEL will prevent crime and provide rapid response. In addition, a focus on creating green spaces and disaster-resilient infrastructure will improve the quality of life.
End-to-end connectivity will transform how people and goods move across the state. MMRDA will deliver seamless integration of 14 metro lines covering 337 km. Projects like
Atal Setu, Coastal Road, and the planned service between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai Airport will improve transit options. Strengthening efforts will be made to enhance existing regional development boards in Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik, and we will establish new regional development and investment boards to create opportunities across the state, preparing our cities for the projected 50 per cent urban population by 2047.
We will also enhance Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to empower citizens, particularly in rural areas. More than 80 DBT schemes will focus on school education, health, and skill development. These efforts will ensure citizens receive the education and skills needed to meet future industry demands, fostering equitable growth across the state.
Today, MSMEs contribute 30 percent to the nation’s GDP. Maharashtra will solidify its position as a hub for MSMEs and start-ups by providing soft loans, training, and capacity-building programmes to encourage entrepreneurial activity. Collaborations with foreign universities will enhance startups’ capabilities in advanced technologies. Incubation programmes, MUDRA loans, and robust industry linkages will ensure start-ups thrive. Maharashtra, already leading with 50 lakh MSME registrations, will continue to empower
entrepreneurs, particularly women, with 20 percent of these enterprises already women-led. Finally, we are driving efforts to attract new industrial setups in Maharashtra. The upcoming Industrial Policy will prioritise providing land, skilled manpower, and streamlined processes to make Maharashtra the first choice for investors. We are developing corporate and logistics parks, such as the 500-acre semiconductor park in Taloja, which has already secured investments from RRP Electronics. These initiatives will create jobs, boost the economy, and establish Maharashtra as an industrial powerhouse. We are also planning to develop the Konkan and Marathwada region further. These plans are not aspirations; we will deliver actions to ensure Maharashtra emerges as a safe, connected, and investment-ready destination, fostering growth for all.
The government has set a bold target to become a $2 trillion economy by 2035. Given the current economic scenario, how achievable is this goal, and what is your roadmap?
Maharashtra’s strategy to achieve a $2 trillion economy by 2035 closely aligns with the vision of the Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Global Growth Hub Report for MMR. The state emphasises infrastructure and industrial expansion, focusing on data centres, ports, and industrial hubs as crucial drivers of national economic growth. Women-led development is another cornerstone, with initiatives in affordable housing, skill development, and entrepreneurship aimed at increasing women’s participation across sectors, including leadership roles, to foster inclusive growth. Collaborative efforts between state and Central governments are also crucial for executing large-scale projects, supported by policies promoting FDI and infrastructure development to attract investments and ensure sustained progress for Maharashtra and India.
Economic prosperity must be aligned with sustainability. What is the Maharashtra government’s roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality, especially in a densely
populated city like Mumbai?
Maharashtra is working to balance economic growth with sustainability, especially in a bustling city like Mumbai. Disaster Management and Climate Action Plans, such as
the Maharashtra State Action Plan on Climate Change (MSAPCC), the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP), and heat action plans for cities like Nagpur and Thane, are at the heart of this vision, shaping city planning to address challenges like heatwaves and flooding. These plans focus on building resilience through early warning systems, adaptive infrastructure, and targeted use of SDRF funds to protect vulnerable areas. Programs like
AMRUT complement this by driving green projects, using solar energy, and more green spaces, while partnerships boost initiatives like electric vehicles. Most importantly, citizens are adopting small but impactful habits, creating a carbon-neutral, climate-resilient future for everyone.
MMR is often assumed to become a $1 trillion economy independently to achieve the $2 trillion economy target. What initiatives or strategies have you planned for MMR to contribute significantly to Maharashtra’s vision?
To achieve this, the government is focusing on seven major growth drivers, which will be shaped through the concerted efforts of various vital agencies such as MMRDA, CIDCO, MHADA, SRA, MTDC, MIDC, NMMC, MCGM, and TMC. These seven growth drivers are:
- Global Services Hub: Establishing data centres across various locations in Maharashtra is a priority that aims to position the state as a major hub for global services and digital infrastructure.
- Affordable Housing and Slum Redevelopment: We are committed to addressing housing shortages by planning for 3 million affordable housing units and creating women’s hostels to uplift marginalised communities and contribute to urbanisation.
- Global Tourism and Urban Recreation Hub: Developing world-class recreational and tourism projects like the Biome in Gorai will enhance Maharashtra’s global tourism profile and attract investment in the hospitality and service sectors.
- Port-Proximate Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Hub: By developing warehouses, logistic and industrial parks, a new ring road, and the Vadhavan Port, we will establish Maharashtra as a critical player in the manufacturing and logistics sector and improve trade and economic linkages.
- Planned Urbanisation: We focus on efficient town planning and regional development, utilising advanced technologies such as GIS mapping to ensure sustainable growth. Key agencies like CIDCO, MHADA, and SRA are at the forefront of driving this transformation.
- Inclusivity and Sustainability: Maharashtra aims to become a leader in inclusivity and sustainability by focusing on equitable growth that benefits all sections of society and ensures environmental sustainability.
- World-Class Urban Infrastructure and Transport: We are committed to upgrading urban infrastructure and transport systems to world-class standards, ensuring smooth connectivity and enhancing citizens’ quality of life. These strategic initiatives, underpinned by strong collaboration among government agencies, will ensure that MMR contributes significantly to Maharashtra’s growth. In line with this, we have also set
up two committees, chaired by me, with directives to roll out this comprehensive plan and drive its successful implementation.
Mumbai’s land-scarce location presents uniquechallenges in expansion and development. How do you plan to address these challenges, and what is your long-term vision for Mumbai as a global city?
As the nation’s financial capital, Mumbai has seen increasing demand for expansion beyond the city to neighbouring districts and new cities. To manage this growth, the Maharashtra government has appointed MMRDA as the special planning authority to develop comprehensive plans for the North and South regions beyond Mumbai. In collaboration with CIDCO for Navi Mumbai, the government has identified land for key development projects, focusing on:
Affordable Housing:
Ensuring accessible homes for a growing population.
Integrated Industrial and Logistics Parks:
Promoting manufacturing, trade, and commerce.
Liveability & Talent Attraction:
Providing quality amenities to attract skilled professionals.
Tourism & Heritage Preservation:
Developing tourism infrastructure while preserving the cultural heritage.
Disaster Management & Green Spaces:
Creating resilient urban spaces with adequate environmental conservation
An example of this planned approach is the NAINA City (Navi Mumbai Airport Influence Notified Area), which spans 226 sq. km. This city will be a model of balanced growth, maintaining the original cultural identity of the region while modernising infrastructure. My vision for Mumbai is to continue developing the city as a global city interconnected with its neighbouring areas. This expansion will help create a more distributed economy, where
Mumbai no longer bears the entire economic burden but thrives alongside cities like Navi Mumbai and others. This will allow for financial resilience and provide opportunities for growth in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, services, and tourism. Soon, we aim to build a self-sustained economy in the region by fostering talent, encouraging investments in both traditional and emerging sectors and creating a thriving urban ecosystem that can compete with the world’s leading cities while retaining its cultural identity.
Vidarbha is becoming a hotbed of extreme heat, while Mumbai risks sinking due to rising sea levels. How is the government addressing these critical climate
change crises, and what action plan is in place to mitigate their effects?
The Maharashtra government is taking a multi-faceted approach to address climate crises in Vidarbha and Mumbai. The Climate Action Plan for the region focuses on renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, afforestation, and water conservation measures like
Jalyukta Shivar and rainwater harvesting. Heat Action Plans in the region emphasise public awareness, emergency responses, and health advisories. At the same time, initiatives like Saur Krushi Pump Yojana and agro-meteorological support enable farmers to adapt to heat and drought. In Mumbai, improved stormwater systems mitigate rising sea levels and urban flooding risks. Preserving mangroves, sustainable urban planning, and adherence to updated building codes strengthen the city’s resilience. The BMC and Railways coordinate,
supported by dedicated funds, to ensure effective management during heavy rains. The BMC has also introduced the MyBMC mobile application, leveraging IT to provide quick and reliable access to information and services, enhancing citizen engagement during
emergencies. Solar power initiatives and sub-city-level heat resilience assessments shape policies for longterm sustainability and disaster preparedness
Looking ahead, where do you see Maharashtra in 2030 in the context of India’s $7 trillion economy dream? What key sectors or areas do you see contributing the
most to this ambitious goal?
By 2030, Maharashtra aims to play a pivotal role in realising India’s $7 trillion economy dream, leveraging its strengths across diverse sectors. Agriculture focuses on transitioning to intelligent farming practices and adding value by turning perishables into long-lasting,
market-ready products. This boosts farmers’ income and enhances the agricultural supply chain. The state drives equitable industrial expansion across regions, fostering balanced growth and creating job opportunities. A key priority is increasing women’s workforce participation, engaging Self-Help Groups (SHGs) through cluster development, and empowering them to contribute significantly to the economy. Additionally, Maharashtra
is investing in skill development and upskilling programs to ensure a workforce ready to meet domestic industry demands and secure jobs abroad. These efforts collectively position the state as a leader in economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity by 2030.
