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industries which increasingly come within the purview of municipal corporations, but levying of octroi leads to chronic
corruption and substantial evasion. The Chamber has time and again represented to the Government, to switch from
octroi to a book based tax collection system, aligned with the sales tax. The rapid growth in the assessable value of
goods on which sales tax is levied, clearly indicates that this is the most effective, efficient and user friendly way, to
collect tax for the benefit of municipal corporations.
The current business environment uses advanced information technology (IT) tools, the government too in many areas
has adopted state of the art systems - for collection of income tax, sales tax, electricity bills, etc. there is no reason why
this discipline cannot be applied to collecting taxes for municipal corporations, to replace octroi.
3) Not only labour laws need a thorough revamp, commensurate with the globally accepted 21st century non-socialistic
environment for industry, but also the multiplicity of rules and laws need to be tackled in a prudent and businesslike
manner.
Applying Mathadi Act to labour working in factories (where already the Industries Disputes Act, the Factories Act and
the Model Standing Orders act apply), is a step in the wrong direction. There is today severe exploitation of industries –
small and big – happening under the claim of protecting Mathadi workers. It is important that the Government take
urgent steps to eliminate the application of Mathadi laws in any industrial establishments.
4) Pune remains hopeful that eventually the twin projects - of a New Airport (domestic and international), as also the
much awaited International Exhibition Centre, will be implemented.
Normally such projects should not take more than say three years - from “the declaration of intent to the start of
operations”. The Chamber has been interacting with the highest levels of political and bureaucratic leadership in the
state, to plead for co-ordinated decision making in this regard. While there is no resistance to this idea nor to the effort
of the Chamber, nor any cogent argument against expediting these projects, I am sad to state that the actual movement
on the ground is disappointing.
5) The Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture has been active in all areas of its endeavour. It is the
aim of the MCCIA, to make Pune city and its environs an enviable business destination. The MCCIA through its arm, the
JANWANI, has been active to promote and pursue schemes for the improvement of urban life in Pune.
6) The Chamber has hosted around 25 international delegations during the year 2011-12. Some of the countries which
brought delegations included Italy, Ethiopia, Belgium, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Netherlands, Iran Spain, etc.
The Chamber has maintained continuous dialogue with Counsel Generals and Ambassadors of various countries,
including signing of MOUs to promote business networking.
7) The Chamber's efforts, in establishing lean manufacturing clusters under the Government of India's pilot programme,
have been applauded by the National Productivity Council, for the 5 highly effective lean manufacturing clusters
incubated by the MCCIA.
8) Similarly we in association with UNIDO led an initiative for “supplier upgradation”, to make the auto component
industry in the Pune and Western Maharashtra area globally competitive.
This and similar efforts are aimed towards improving the capability and capacity of the medium and small
manufacturing enterprises in the Pune region.
9) The Chamber has completed a project for establishing a new facility at the Bhosari site. The “NAVALMAL FIRODIA
Centre for Excellence”, is aimed at providing a hub for improving activities, in support of MSMEs. This new and
comprehensive facility in the Bhosari area is expected to provide varied services for our members and to industry in
general, located in the Bhosari, Pimpri, Chinchwad, Chakan areas.
As I will shortly lay down my office as the President of the MCCIA, after a 2-year tenure, where I had the opportunity to
interact with leaders of industry, commerce and agriculture in Pune and in contiguous areas , as also with the political and
bureaucratic establishments of the state, I am encouraged to believe that the Chamber's comprehensive efforts will
steadily yield results to make Western Maharashtra and Pune area, into an outstanding environment for commerce,
industry and agriculture. The strong traditions of the Chamber, the fine legacy of its past leadership, the comprehensive
capability, the establishments, the facilities and the processes - built up in the MCCIA over decades - is a source of great
strength to this institution.
It has been a pleasure, to have had the privilege and opportunity, to make my contribution in this regard. I will equally
like to acknowledge the encouragement and support received from Captains of Industry, Past Presidents, Committee
Members, and the Officials of the Chamber, in discharging the duties of the Office of President MCCIA.
I am convinced that the MCCIA will continue to play a most relevant and constructive role in the future.
Dr. Abhay Firodia
President
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