Fadnavis' appeal to Maratha protesters gains significance as Maharashtra slipped to the 13th rank on the ease of doing business list.
Concerned over the spate of communal clashes and caste-related strikes in the state, industry experts are a worried lot. Many have echoed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' view that the investment sentiment in Maharashtra is going southwards due to the ongoing Maratha strife.
Some industrialists and top honchos have urged the Fadnavis-led government to immediately take actions to maintain law and order in the state. They want Maharashtra to be portrayed as an 'investor-friendly' state in order to attract direct and foreign investments.
Fadnavis' appeal to Maratha protesters gains significance as Maharashtra slipped to the 13th rank on the ease of doing business list. Incidents of violence, arson have had an impact on prominent industry hubs like Mumbai, Navi-Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad.
"Maintenance of law and order is imperative for any state to attract investments. It is in the enlightened self-interest of the protestors and the Government to ensure that civil society and businesses are not harmed or dislocated," said Raj Nair, chairman of Indian Merchant Chambers.
Sushil Jiwarajka, president of Infrastructure and Logistics Federation of India admitted that investors will be wary. "If the agitation escalates, it will have an adverse impact on investments. The government should spread more awareness to address the concerns of the Maratha community. In an election year, negative forces will try to inflame passions. They need to be neutralised," he said.
Chandrakant Salunkhe, president, Maharashtra Industrial & Economic Development Association said investors will always press for safety and security for their investments. "Burning of public and private vehicles and properties in auto hub Chakan in Pune and rest of Maharashtra has sent shockwaves among investors. The government should quickly take steps to instil confidence among investors," he said.
Anil Gachake, chairman, Industry committee, Maharashtra Economic Development Council said the unrest and instability will largely affect micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector which plays a crucial role in the creation of new jobs. "If the violence continues, it will not only affect ongoing projects but also other investments in the pipeline," he said.
"The incidents of violence and arsons during the ongoing agitation by various Maratha groups may adversely impact sentiments of investors in the realty and other sector," said Anand Gupta, chairman of infrastructure committee of Builders Association of India.
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