| Right from its formation in the year 1st May 1960, Maharashtra has been one of the very important states of the country, contributing a highest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to the national exchequer. It is a second largest state in terms of population after the state of Uttar Pradesh and third largest in terms of geographical area after Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, respectively. The state capital i.e. Mumbai is known as Financial Capital of the country. The state is one of the most industrially advanced states, as compared to other states of Indian Union, having its 45.23% population residing in urban areas as compared to 31.16% of all India. The state's population is 112.3 million which comes roughly to 9.28% of the country. The State's contribution to the National exchequer is as much as 14.93%, which is much more, as compared to the contribution made by any state in the Country. The state has natural advantage of its 720 kms coastal boarder in many respects and makes the state industrially advanced states in the country. With all such distinguished features, the state is progressing industrially, right since independence and the role played by small scale industries, in the industrial development and progress of the state is noteworthy. This paper shall attempt to highlight the role played by small scale industries/sector for the development and progress of the state, the problems faced by small scale industries in general and in the state of Maharashtra as special, the provisions made by Maharashtra State in their Industrial Policy Resolution 2013, with some valuable suggestions. |