Maharashtra expands protocol dept to boost foreign investment:Varma

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Thursday announced a major expansion of the state’s Protocol Department, aimed at strengthening global engagement and attracting higher foreign investment into the state.The revamped department will include dedicated divisions focusing on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Diaspora Affairs, and International Outreach, a move intended to streamline investor facilitation and enhance Maharashtra’s global economic presence.
Addressing the state on the occasion of Maharashtra Day and International Workers' Day, the Governor highlighted a series of policy initiatives designed to accelerate economic growth and infrastructure development.Among key announcements, the state has approved the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy 2026, developed by Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA). The policy focuses on deeper collaboration between public and private stakeholders to ensure faster execution of infrastructure and service-related projects.
Varma also revealed that a comprehensive Vision Document titled “Developed Maharashtra 2047” has been prepared, outlining 100 strategic initiatives. Department-wise action plans have been formulated through 2029–30 to align with long-term development goals.In a push for inclusive growth, the government has identified 10 districts and 177 talukas as aspirational regions, aiming to promote balanced regional development across the state.Highlighting Maharashtra’s growing global investment appeal, the Governor noted that the state signed investment agreements worth Rs31.25 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Further, the state has unveiled an Industry, Investment, and Services Policy targeting investments of Rs70.5 lakh crore and the creation of around 50 lakh direct jobs in the coming years.On the agriculture front, the government has extended significant financial relief to farmers impacted by adverse weather. Over Rs15,950 crore has been disbursed to more than one crore farmers affected during the Kharif 2025 season, while Rs128 crore has been provided to 1.8 lakh farmers impacted during the ongoing Rabi season.Additionally, following Marathi being granted classical language status, a proposal has been submitted to the Union Ministry of School Education to establish a Centre of Excellence dedicated to the language and related initiatives.