Maharashtra must compete with other nations on growth front: Prithviraj Chavan

Maharashtra should raise the bar on industrial growth and compare itself with other countries instead of states like Gujarat, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said on Friday.

"In case of industrial growth, we should not compare Maharashtra with Gujarat or any other state in the country. Instead, we should raise the bar and compare ourselves with other countries," he said here.

Chavan was speaking at a function organised to mark the platinum jubilee year of the state legislature.

Maximum number of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) were allotted to Maharashtra. But most of them could not take off due to change in industrial policies by the Centre, he said.

Highlighting changes in the industrial scenario, Chavan said, "Previously, government played a vital role in deciding where industries should come up. But after economic liberalisation, industrialists decide where to go and set up their units. This leads to regional imbalance. We have to strike a balance between industry and growth."

Speaking on the occasion, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar emphasised on spreading industrial activity throughout the state.

"The state should not limit industrial development in Pune, Mumbai and Nashik belts. Pune has become saturated in this regard. Farmers should not rely on agriculture only. They should develop a parallel economy," Pawar added.