MSME sector and government policies

B.9] MSME Sector and Government Policies

1. MSME Sector: Definition and Importance

1.1 Definition

  • MSME stands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
  • Micro Enterprises: Enterprises with investment in plant and machinery (for manufacturing) or equipment (for service) not exceeding ₹ 25 lakh.
  • Small Enterprises: Investment not exceeding ₹ 5 crore.
  • Medium Enterprises: Investment not exceeding ₹ 10 crore.

1.2 Importance of MSME Sector

  • Employment Generation: Contributes significantly to employment, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
  • Economic Growth: Accounts for about 30% of GDP and 45% of India’s manufacturing output.
  • Export Contribution: About 25% of India’s total exports come from MSMEs.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourages innovation and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship.
  • Decentralization of Economic Power: Reduces regional and sectoral imbalances.

1.3 Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

  • Contribution to GDP: ~30%
  • Contribution to employment: ~45%
  • Contribution to exports: ~25%
  • MSMEs are the backbone of India’s economy.

2. Government Policies and Schemes

2.1 Policy Framework

  • MSME Act, 2006: First comprehensive legislation for MSMEs in India.
  • MSME Development Act, 2020: Replaced the 2006 Act, aimed at simplifying procedures and improving ease of doing business.

2.2 Key Schemes and Initiatives

Scheme Objective Key Features
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGFTMSME) Provide credit guarantee to banks Covers 80% of loan defaults
Stand Up India Scheme Promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST/OBC and women Provides loans up to ₹ 10 lakh
MSME Credit Line Facilitate access to credit Offers interest subvention and credit guarantee
Udyam Registration Digital registration for MSMEs Launched in 2020, replaced Udyog Aadhaar
Atmanirbhar Bharat Self-reliant India Includes various schemes for MSMEs
MUDRA Yojana Financial support for micro enterprises Three categories: Shishu, Kishor, Tarun
Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) Subsidy on interest rates For MSMEs in specific sectors
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) Financial assistance for rural MSMEs Provides refinance and credit support

2.3 Important Dates

  • Udyam Registration Launched: April 1, 2020
  • MSME Development Act Enacted: April 1, 2020
  • MUDRA Yojana Launched: April 1, 2018
  • Stand Up India Scheme Launched: August 2016

2.4 Key Terms and Definitions

  • MSME: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
  • Udyam Registration: Digital registration portal for MSMEs
  • MUDRA Yojana: Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency
  • CLSS: Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme
  • CGFTMSME: Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises

2.5 Differences Between Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

Parameter Micro Small Medium
Investment Up to ₹ 25 lakh Up to ₹ 5 crore Up to ₹ 10 crore
Number of Employees Up to 10 Up to 200 Up to 500
Turnover Up to ₹ 5 crore Up to ₹ 50 crore Up to ₹ 100 crore

2.6 Key Facts (SSC, RRB)

  • MSMEs contribute 30% to GDP and 45% to employment.
  • MUDRA Yojana provides credit to micro enterprises.
  • Udyam Registration is a digital portal for MSMEs.
  • Stand Up India Scheme supports SC/ST/OBC and women entrepreneurs.
  • MSME Development Act, 2020 replaced the 2006 Act.
  • CGFTMSME covers 80% of loan defaults.
  • CLSS provides interest rate subsidies.