In bid to boost defence industry; Maharashtra government to set up parks, frame policy

India is one of the largest importers of arms and armaments in the world, and under the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative, Maharashtra is seeking to boost its manufacturing sector by attracting investment.

Riding on the Centre's plans to boost indigenous production of defence equipment, the state government is planning to set up defence parks with necessary facilities and infrastructure to house these manufacturing units. It is also working on a defence manufacturing policy which will promote this industry in the state.
India is one of the largest importers of arms and armaments in the world, and under the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative, Maharashtra is seeking to boost its manufacturing sector by attracting investment.
Apurva Chandra, Maharashtra's principal secretary (industries), told dna that they were working on a policy, saying: "We are examining if defence parks can be set up with facilities like testing and trial facilities for the companies to test their explosives, bombs and armaments."
These zones, which will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure and facilities, will be developed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), and will be spread over 400 acres. Auxiliary industries which will act as feeder units for these industries will also be located nearby.
The policy will be prepared in consultation with those companies which have a presence in the defence sector, said Chandra. Mahrashtra houses 10 of the 41 ordnance factories in India, which are engaged in defence production.
The Indian armed forces spend 40% of their budget on capital acquisitions and meet 60% of their requirement through imports. The Defence Production Policy, 2011 encourages indigenous manufacture of defence equipment.

 dnaindia