Dr.Yogesh Shukla
Abstract:
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector represents a cornerstone of India’s economic architecture, contributing significantly to employment generation, industrial production, export performance, and balanced regional development. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the role and performance of MSMEs in India over the period 2006–07 to 2013–14. Drawing upon secondary data from official government publications, institutional reports, and international studies, the paper evaluates the sector’s contribution to key macroeconomic indicators and examines its growth trajectory over time.
The findings indicate that MSMEs account for approximately 45 percent of industrial output and nearly 40 percent of exports, while generating employment for more than 70 million individuals by 2013–14. The study further reveals that despite global economic disturbances, particularly the Global Financial Crisis, the sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and sustained growth. Trend analysis highlights consistent increases in the number of enterprises, employment levels, and output during the study period. However, the sector continues to face structural challenges, including limited access to institutional finance, technological obsolescence, inadequate infrastructure, and marketing constraints. These challenges restrict the growth potential and competitiveness of MSMEs in both domestic and international markets.
