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5th March 2025 (11 Topics)

Role of MSMEs in India

Context

MSMEs play a crucial role in India's economic growth by contributing to employment, industrial output, and exports. Recognized as a key driver of development, they help in fostering entrepreneurship and regional economic balance.

Contribution of MSMEs to the Indian Economy

  • Employment Generation: MSMEs employ over 110 million people, making them one of the largest sources of employment in the country.
  • GDP Contribution: MSMEs contribute around 30 percent to India’s GDP. They account for about 45 percent of total industrial production.
  • Exports and Global Trade: MSMEs contribute nearly 40 percent to India's total exports. They are major exporters in sectors like textiles, handicrafts, engineering goods, and food processing.
  • Support to Rural and Small Industries: MSMEs promote small-scale industries, including Khadi, Village, and Coir industries.

Major Challenges Faced by MSMEs

  • Limited Access to Finance: Many MSMEs struggle to obtain loans due to lack of credit history and collateral. Dependence on informal lending increases financial burden and costs.
  • Shortage of Skilled Workforce: MSMEs face difficulties in finding trained professionals, affecting productivity and efficiency. Limited access to vocational training programs hinders skill development.
  • Technological Barriers: Many MSMEs lack resources to adopt modern technologies and automation. Low investment in research and development reduces their competitiveness.
  • Regulatory and Compliance Burden: Complex taxation, licensing, and labor laws increase operational challenges. Delayed payments from larger firms and government agencies affect cash flow.
  • Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate transportation, unreliable power supply, and lack of warehousing impact MSME efficiency.
  • Global Competition and Market Access: MSMEs face competition from international manufacturers offering low-cost alternatives. Limited branding and marketing restrict their global reach.

Classification of MSMEs

  • MSMEs are defined under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006.
  • The classification was revised under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (2020) based on investment and turnover:

Category

Investment Limit

Turnover Limit

Micro

Up to Rs 1 crore

Up to Rs 5 crore

Small

Up to Rs 10 crore

Rs 50 crore

Medium

Up to Rs 50 crore

Up to Rs 250 crore

Government Support for MSMEs

  • Financial Assistance and Credit Access
    • Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) offers collateral-free loans to MSMEs.
    • MUDRA Loans provide financial support up to Rs 10 lakh for small businesses.
    • Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) helps MSMEs secure loans without collateral.
  • Digital and Technological Support
    • Udyam Registration simplifies MSME registration and access to government schemes.
    • Digital India initiatives promote online transactions and e-commerce participation.
    • The Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification enhances product quality and global competitiveness.
  • Market Access and Export Promotion
    • "Vocal for Local" and Make in India encourage MSME-produced goods.
    • Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) expand international market opportunities.
    • Cluster Development Programs support MSMEs with shared infrastructure and resources.
  • Others:
    • Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
    • Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP)
    • Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP)
    • Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme (PMS)
    • National SC/ST Hub (NSSH)
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