Maharashtra Government's first 'Udyog Ratna' award for outstanding work in the industry sector was presented to veteran entrepreneur Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today. Chief Minister Shinde along with deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar presented Mr. Ratan Tata with a cheque of Rs 25 lakh, a badge and a certificate of honour at his residence in Colaba, Mumbai. Industries Minister Uday Samant and Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar were also present on this occasion.

Speaking to the media after presenting the award, Chief Minister Shinde said that from salt to vehicles and aircrafts, they are manufactured by the industries of the Tata group. The Tata Group has made substantial contributions to the industrial sector, both nationally and globally. He said when you speak about Tata, it signifies trust and it is a pleasure to present the first award to a deserving person in the industry sector by the state government. The Chief Minister said that honouring Mr. Ratan Tata as ‘Udyog Ratna' has enhanced the prestige of the award.

Earlier, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present at Tata's residence discussed the industry and development projects in the state with Mr. Ratan Tata. On the lines of 'Maharashtra Bhushan' award, the state government has decided to award 'Maharashtra Udyog Puraskar' to eminent entrepreneurs who have contributed substantially to the industrial sector of Maharashtra from this year.

In this, the Udyog Ratna Award has been announced to senior businessman Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata, Udyog Mitra Award to Adar Punawala of Serum Institute, Udyogini Award to Gauri Kirloskar of Kirloskar Group, Best Marathi Entrepreneur Award to Vilas Shinde. These awards will be presented by Governor Ramesh Bais in a ceremony to be held tomorrow. The award was given to Mr. Ratan Tata at his home today as he won’t be attending the award ceremony tomorrow due to his ill health.