Amendments Proposed in MSME Act (GS Paper 2, Government Policies & Interventions)
Why in News?
- Recently, on the occasion of International MSME Day (27th June, 2024), the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) organized the 'Udyami BharatMSME Day' event and proposed amendments to the MSME Development Act, 2006 to improve dispute resolution for delayed payments and address the changing needs of the MSME sector.
- The event witnessed the launch of several initiatives by the Union Minister for MSME, including the proposed upgradation of the Samadhan Portal, proposed amendments in the MSME Development Act, 2006, the Team Initiative, and the Yashasvini campaign.
Key Facts About MSME
About:
- MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. These are businesses that produce, process, and preserve goods and commodities.
Classification:
- Micro Enterprises: Investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed INR 1 crore and turnover does not exceed INR 5 crores.
- Small Enterprises: Investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed INR 10 crores and turnover does not exceed INR 50 crores.
- Medium Enterprises: Investment in plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed INR 50 crores and turnover does not exceed INR 250 crores.
MSME Regulation in India:
- The Ministry of SmallScale Industries and the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries were merged in 2007 to form the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
- The ministry develops policies, facilitates programs, and monitors implementation to support MSMEs and aid in their growth.
- The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Act of 2006 addresses various issues affecting MSMEs, establishes a National Board for MSMEs, defines the concept of "enterprise," and empowers the Central Government to enhance MSME competitiveness.
Significance of the MSME Sector:
Global:
- According to the United Nations data, MSMEs account for up to 90% of businesses, over 60% to 70% of jobs worldwide, and half of global GDP.
India:
- GDP Contribution and Employment Generation: MSMEs currently contribute approximately 30% to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), playing a crucial role in driving economic growth.
- As per the data of the Udyam registration portal, more than 46 million MSMEs (second only to China's 140 million) and over 200 million jobs are registered with the MSME Ministry.
- Export Promotion: Currently, MSMEs contribute nearly 45% of India's total exports.
- The Indian handicraft sector, dominated by smallscale artisans and enterprises, has a global market and generates significant export revenue for the country.
- Contribution to Manufacturing Output: MSMEs contribute significantly to the country's manufacturing output, particularly in sectors like food processing, engineering, and chemicals.
- Rural Industrialization and Inclusive Growth: MSMEs play a pivotal role in driving rural industrialization and promoting inclusive growth.
- The Khadi and Village industries sector, consisting of smallscale units, has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities in rural areas and empowering local communities.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The MSME sector fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, as it is often easier for small businesses to adapt to changing market conditions and introduce new products or services.
International MSME Day 2024
- It is observed on 27th June annually to recognize the significance of MSMEs and their contribution to the economy.
- Theme for 2024: “Leveraging Power and Resilience of Micro, Small, and Mediumsized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.”
- History and Significance: In April 2017, the United Nations designated the 27th June as Micro, Small, and Mediumsized Enterprises Day. The day aims to enhance national capacities for unleashing the full potential of MSMEs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Amendments Proposed in MSME Development Act, 2006
MSME Development Act, 2006:
- Provides a framework for the promotion and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
Objectives:
- Facilitating the promotion and development of MSMEs.
- Enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs.
- Providing easy access to credit, marketing assistance, and other support services.
- Promoting entrepreneurship and skill development.
Key Amendments Proposed:
- Faster Payment Resolutions: The Samadhan portal is proposed to upgrade from a grievance tracker to a fullfledged online dispute resolution platform for MSMEs. This empowers MSMEs to file complaints, receive responses, and participate in mediation all online, expediting payments.
- Strengthened MSME Representation: The National Board for MSME will include representatives from all State Secretaries, fostering better policymaking that reflects ground realities and addresses MSME challenges across India.
- Modernising the Act: The 2006 MSME Act requires updates to address contemporary issues like persistent delayed payments and the evolving support needs of MSMEs. Amendments aim to create a more responsive legal framework for their growth.
Key Initiatives Announced by the Ministry of MSME
- MSME Trade Enablement & Marketing (TEAM) Initiative: Aims to facilitate the onboarding of 5 lakh micro and small enterprises onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The government will provide financial assistance for onboarding, cataloguing, account management, logistics, packaging material, and design. Half of the beneficiary MSEs will be womenowned enterprises.
- Yashasvini Campaign: A series of mass awareness campaigns for formalising womenowned informal micro enterprises and providing capacity building, training, handholding, and mentorship to womenowned enterprises. The campaigns will be organized by the Ministry of MSME in collaboration with other Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, and Women Industry Associations, focusing on Tier 2 and 3 cities.
6 Pillars for the Government's MSME Initiatives:
- Building a Stronger Foundation: Focuses on formalising businesses and ensuring easier access to credit, vital for the growth and stability of MSMEs.
- Expanding Market Reach: The government aims to increase access to domestic and international markets for MSMEs, along with encouraging ecommerce adoption to expand their reach further.
- Technological Transformation: Emphasises leveraging modern technology to boost productivity and efficiency within the MSME sector.
- Skilling the Workforce: Enhancing skill levels and promoting digitalisation in the service sector are crucial for MSMEs to keep pace with the evolving market.
- Going Global with Tradition: The government will support traditional industries like Khadi, Village, and Coir to help them compete in the global marketplace.
- Empowering Entrepreneurs: Prioritises fostering enterprise creation among women and artisans, promoting inclusive growth within the MSME sector.
Recent Government Initiatives Related to MSMEs
- Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme
- Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)
- Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC)
- A Scheme for Promoting Innovation, Rural Industry & Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE)
- Credit Linked Capital Subsidy for Technology Upgradation (CLCSS)
- Zero Defect & Zero Effect (ZED)
- CHAMPIONS Portal
Challenges Faced by MSMEs
- Limited Access to Finance and Credit: MSMEs often struggle to obtain formal financing and credit facilities, hindering their growth and expansion. Only 16% of MSMEs have access to formal credit, leading many to rely on informal sources at higher costs.
- Technological Deficiency: There is a significant lack of technological advancements and limited digital infrastructure, which restricts their ability to innovate and compete effectively. Limited access to research and development facilities and challenges in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies further hinder their competitiveness.
- Market Access and Competition: MSMEs face limited market access and intense competition from largescale enterprises, which undermines their market share and profitability.
- Skilled Labour Shortage: Acquiring skilled labour and managing talent is a persistent issue, affecting the quality and efficiency of operations. A report by Assocham estimates that India has a skills gap of 23 million workers, making it difficult for MSMEs to find qualified employees, which impacts productivity and innovation.
- Economic Vulnerability: MSMEs are particularly vulnerable to economic downturns and market fluctuations, which can significantly impact their stability and growth prospects. During the Covid19 pandemic, around 21% of MSMEs in India permanently closed due to the economic impact, making them more vulnerable to economic downturns.
- Raw Material Shortage: MSMEs struggle with fluctuating raw material prices and limited financial capacity for bulk purchasing. This is particularly challenging for small textile units, which often face difficulties with cotton price volatility, impacting their profit margins and competitiveness.
Issues With Current Litigation System
- The expensive legal process makes it hard for small businesses to seek justice.
- The current system takes too long to resolve disputes, worsening the financial difficulties of small businesses.
- The Samadhan portal only provides information for analysis and does not help directly resolve disputes.
Way Forward
- Financial Empowerment and Access: Enhance access to formal credit through targeted schemes, collateral relaxation, and promoting alternative financing options like venture capital, angel investors, and peertopeer lending platforms.
- Digital Transformation and Market Expansion: Impart digital literacy, and technical skills, facilitate ecommerce integration, subsidise investments in digital infrastructure, and establish linkages with large enterprises for subcontracting.
- Regulatory Reforms and Skilling: Simplify regulations, implement single window clearance systems, conduct regulatory impact assessments, launch targeted skill development programs aligned with industry needs, and promote entrepreneurship education at all levels. Establish mentorship programs connecting successful entrepreneurs with inspiring MSME owners.
- Infrastructure, Risk Management, and Policy Awareness: Investing in developing reliable power, transportation, and communication infrastructure for MSMEs to thrive. Develop risk management strategies like insurance schemes and encourage product/market diversification to improve resilience.
- Global Competitiveness and Quality Enhancement: Promoting the adoption of quality management systems, and developing exportoriented MSME clusters can enhance global competitiveness and quality. Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) certification scheme, for example, has helped MSMEs improve quality and reduce environmental impact.
