The Planning Department of Maharashtra, in its Government Resolution (GR) dated September 10, 2024, has announced the formation of a Growth Hub Coordination Committee to implement the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) Economic Master Plan. This ambitious plan aligns with NITI Aayog’s vision of developing city regions as Growth Hubs (G-HUBs), aimed at boosting economic growth across selected areas in India. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) has been selected as a pilot city for the initiative, alongside Surat, Visakhapatnam, and Varanasi.
MMR Selected as a Pilot Growth Hub
The MMR Growth Hub project is part of a broader national strategy to foster regional economic development. The plan’s core objectives include attracting foreign investments, strengthening the region’s start-up ecosystem, and boosting employment opportunities. The government has taken a significant step in forming a 22-member committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, which will be responsible for reviewing and overseeing the implementation of the MMR Economic Master Plan.
Growth Hub Coordination Committee: Composition and Role
The 22-member committee includes senior officials from various state departments such as Housing, Transport, Planning, Energy, Urban Development, and Environment. Representatives from local governing bodies, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Mumbai Port Trust, Thane Mahanagar Palika, Navi Mumbai Mahanagar Palika, and others, are also part of this panel.
The committee’s primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth execution of the MMR Economic Master Plan and to coordinate between multiple stakeholders involved in the project.
MMRDA: The Implementing Authority
A follow-up GR issued on September 12, 2024, designates the MMRDA as the Implementation Authority for the MMR Economic Master Plan. A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established under the authority of the Metropolitan Commissioner of the MMRDA. The PIU will manage day-to-day operations, oversee the implementation of recommendations made by NITI Aayog, and support the Growth Hub Regulatory Board and Coordination Committee.
To attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and global expertise, the PIU will also conduct international site visits and work to incorporate global best practices into the plan.
Expansion of Scope and Outsourcing
The Metropolitan Commissioner has been granted the authority to expand the scope of the PIU as needed and to appoint consultants or outsource tasks that are essential for the successful implementation of the project. The MMRDA will play a crucial role in turning Mumbai into a major economic growth hub by ensuring timely and effective execution of the master plan.
Conclusion
The formation of the Growth Hub Coordination Committee and the designation of MMRDA as the Implementation Authority marks a crucial step toward transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into a global economic hub. With focused efforts on attracting investments and boosting employment, the MMR Economic Master Plan promises to significantly uplift the region’s economic landscape.