Milind Hardikar to Steer Maharashtra Towards a New Growth Era: ASSOCHAM Appoints Strategic Leader as Council Chairman

Milind Hardikar to Steer Maharashtra Towards a New Growth Era: ASSOCHAM Appoints Strategic Leader as Council Chairman
 
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Mumbai (Anil Bedag) | April 18, 2026: In a strategic move to accelerate the industrial and economic momentum of India’s wealthiest state, ASSOCHAM has appointed Milind Hardikar as the Chairman of its Maharashtra State Council. This appointment is expected to provide a fresh impetus to the state’s industrial roadmap and strengthen the synergy between the government and the corporate sector.

A Visionary Leader at the Helm

Milind Hardikar brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious role. Currently leading Group Strategic Initiatives at the Welspun Group, Hardikar has a proven track record of driving:

  • Industrial Innovation: Implementing cutting-edge technologies to modernize traditional industries.

  • Strategic Investments: Facilitating a conducive environment to attract both domestic and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Maharashtra.

  • Sustainable Development: Promoting growth models that balance economic output with environmental and social responsibility.

The Road to a $1 Trillion Economy

Hardikar’s leadership comes at a critical juncture as Maharashtra aims to become the first Indian state to reach a $1 trillion GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) by 2030. Economists and industry experts believe that his vision will play a pivotal role in positioning the state as India’s most powerful economic engine, contributing significantly to the nation's overall GDP.

Strengthening the Growth Momentum

Under Hardikar’s guidance, the ASSOCHAM Maharashtra State Council is expected to focus on:

  1. MSME Empowerment: Boosting the small and medium enterprise sector, which is the backbone of the state's employment.

  2. Infrastructure Development: Advocacy for better industrial corridors and logistics.

  3. Ease of Doing Business: Streamlining policies to make Maharashtra the preferred destination for global startups and manufacturing hubs.

Industry Reactions

The corporate community has welcomed the appointment, citing Hardikar’s deep understanding of market dynamics and policy advocacy. His appointment is seen as a commitment by ASSOCHAM to foster a growth-led environment that thrives on innovation and strategic foresight.

A Visionary Leader at the Helm

Milind Hardikar brings a wealth of experience to this prestigious role. Currently leading Group Strategic Initiatives at the Welspun Group, Hardikar has a proven track record of driving:

  • Industrial Innovation: Implementing cutting-edge technologies to modernize traditional industries.

  • Strategic Investments: Facilitating a conducive environment to attract both domestic and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Maharashtra.

  • Sustainable Development: Promoting growth models that balance economic output with environmental and social responsibility.

The Road to a $1 Trillion Economy

Hardikar’s leadership comes at a critical juncture as Maharashtra aims to become the first Indian state to reach a $1 trillion GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) by 2030. Economists and industry experts believe that his vision will play a pivotal role in positioning the state as India’s most powerful economic engine, contributing significantly to the nation's overall GDP.

Strengthening the Growth Momentum

Under Hardikar’s guidance, the ASSOCHAM Maharashtra State Council is expected to focus on:

  1. MSME Empowerment: Boosting the small and medium enterprise sector, which is the backbone of the state's employment.

  2. Infrastructure Development: Advocacy for better industrial corridors and logistics.

  3. Ease of Doing Business: Streamlining policies to make Maharashtra the preferred destination for global startups and manufacturing hubs.

Industry Reactions

The corporate community has welcomed the appointment, citing Hardikar’s deep understanding of market dynamics and policy advocacy. His appointment is seen as a commitment by ASSOCHAM to foster a growth-led environment that thrives on innovation and strategic foresight.

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