New Delhi: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, addressed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day celebration in New Delhi today, highlighting the sector’s critical role in India’s economic and social development. Gracing the national event, President Murmu praised the MSME sector as a vital pillar of the Indian economy and called for intensified efforts to strengthen its ecosystem for inclusive and sustainable growth.
In her keynote address, President Murmu described the MSMEs as engines of grassroots innovation, employment generators, and key drivers of rural empowerment. “A robust MSME ecosystem is not only important but essential for the country’s sustainable economic development,” she remarked. “These enterprises contribute significantly to GDP and have the unique ability to create jobs in rural and backward areas with relatively low capital investment.”
President Highlights Challenges and Government Interventions
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the sector, President Murmu outlined several systemic issues including:
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Difficulty in accessing timely and affordable finance
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Competition from large-scale corporations
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Technological obsolescence
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Inadequate availability of raw materials
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Lack of skilled workforce
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Market constraints and delayed payments
She underlined the Government of India’s active response to these concerns. Key policy measures mentioned included:
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Revised classification criteria for MSMEs to broaden their eligibility and support
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Enhanced credit flow through dedicated schemes
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Mandatory procurement of at least 35% of requirements by Central Ministries, Departments, and CPSEs from MSEs
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Skill development initiatives under PM Vishwakarma Yojana
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Launch of the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal to expedite resolution of delayed payment cases
The President expressed satisfaction over the rapid increase in the number of registered MSMEs and was optimistic that the ODR platform would empower small entrepreneurs with timely and efficient legal remedies.
Call for Grassroots Innovation and Women Entrepreneurship
Emphasizing innovation as the key to resilience and longevity of MSMEs, President Murmu encouraged enterprises to leverage local resources to address local problems. She stated that grassroots innovations would not only reduce cost but also promote self-sufficiency and community engagement.
In a special mention of women’s empowerment, the President appreciated the increasing participation of women in the MSME sector. “Greater involvement of women in enterprise development is essential for the holistic progress of our nation,” she said. She urged young women, especially in rural areas, to consider entrepreneurship as a path to self-reliance and economic freedom.
Sustainability and Climate Responsibility
President Murmu also highlighted the environmental responsibilities of the MSME sector, noting that despite its significant contribution to economic growth, it accounts for a substantial portion of energy consumption and emissions. She called for an urgent transition to green technologies in the sector.
“Adopting eco-friendly technologies will enhance the competitiveness of Indian MSMEs in global markets, improve their long-term sustainability, and help India achieve its climate commitments,” she stated.
Conclusion
The President’s address served as a powerful reminder of the strategic importance of MSMEs in shaping a self-reliant, equitable, and environmentally responsible India. As India continues to advance toward its vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ the MSME sector—supported by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability—will be a key architect of the nation’s economic future.
For more details, check press release on PIB website.
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