A detailed literature survey shows that micro and small enterprises contribute to economic growth through several pathways that go beyond job creation. In India, the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) sector plays a pivotal role in the overall industrial economy of the country. It is estimated that in terms of value, the sector accounts for about 39% of the manufacturing output and around 33% of the total export of the country. Further, in recent years the MSE sector has consistently registered higher growth rate compared to the overall industrial sector. The major advantage of the sector is its employment potential at low capital cost. As per available statistics, this sector employs an estimated 31 million persons spread over 12.8 million enterprises and the labour intensity in the MSE sector is estimated to be almost 4 times higher than the large enterprises.
In accordance with the provision of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006 the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) are classified in two Classes:
(a) Manufacturing Enterprises: The enterprises engaged in the manufacture or production of goods pertaining to any industry specified in the first schedule to the industries (Development and regulation) Act, 1951). The Manufacturing Enterprise are defined in terms of investment in Plant & Machinery.
(b) Service Enterprises: The enterprises engaged in providing or rendering of services and are defined in terms of investment in equipment.
Government Policies and Support Measure: A Brief History
The evolution of the policy framework and support measures of the Government of India can be broadly grouped into the following three periods:
1948-1991: In all the Policy Resolutions from 1948 to 1991, recognition was given to the micro and small enterprises, termed as an effective tool to expand employment opportunities, help ensure equitable distribution of the national income and facilitate effective mobilization of private sector resources of capital and skills. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organisation [earlier known as Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO)] was set up in 1954 as an apex body for sustained and organised growth of micro, small and medium enterprises.
Within next two years, the National Small Industries Corporation, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission and the Coir Board were also set up. The era provided the supportive measures that were required to nurture MSEs, in the form of reservation of items for their exclusive manufacture, access to bank credit on priority through the Priority Sector Lending Programme of commercial banks, excise exemption, reservation under the Government Purchase Programme and 15% price preference in purchases, infrastructure development and establishment of institutes for entrepreneurial and skill development. MSME – Development Institutes [earlier known as Small Industries Service Institute (SISI)] were set up all over India to train youth in skills/entrepreneurship. Tool Rooms were established with German and Danish assistance for providing technical services essential to MSEs as also for skill training. At the State level, District Industries Centres were set up all over the country.
1991-1999: The new Policy for Small, Tiny and Village Enterprises of August, 1991 laid the framework for government support in the context of liberalisation, which sought to replace protection with competitiveness to infuse more vitality and growth to MSEs in the face of foreign competition and open market. Supportive measures concentrated on improving infrastructure, technology and quality. Testing Centres were set up for quality certification and new Tool Rooms as well as Sub-contracting Exchanges were established. The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and a Technology Development and Modernisation Fund were created to accelerate finance and technical services to the sector. A Delayed Payment Act was enacted to facilitate prompt payment of dues to MSEs and an Industrial Infrastructure Development (IID) scheme was launched to set mini industrial estates for small industries. 1999 onwards: The Ministry of MSME [earlier known as Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro & Rural Industries (SSI & ARI)] came into being from 1999 to provide focused attention to the development and promotion of the sector.
The new Policy Package, announced in August 2000, sought to address the persisting problems relating to credit, infrastructure, technology and marketing. A Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme was launched to encourage technology up-gradation in the MSE sector and a Credit Guarantee Scheme was started to provide collateral-free loans to micro and small entrepreneurs, particularly the first generation entrepreneurs. The exemption limit for relief from payment of Central Excise duty was raised to Rs.1 crore ($0.25 million) and a Market Development Assistance Scheme for MSEs was introduced. At the same time, consultations were held with stakeholders and the list of products reserved for production in the MSE sector was gradually reduced each year. In 2006, the long-awaited enactment for this sector finally became a reality with the passage of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Act. In March, 2007, a third Package for the Promotion of Micro and Small Enterprises was announced which comprises the proposals/schemes having direct impact on the promotion and development of the micro and small enterprises, particularly in view of the fast changing economic environment, wherein to be competitive is the key of success.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006 seeks to facilitate the development of these enterprises as also enhance their competitiveness. It provides the first-ever legal framework for recognition of the concept of “enterprise” which comprises both manufacturing and service entities. It defines medium enterprises for the first time and seeks to integrate the three tiers of these enterprises, namely, micro, small and medium.
The Act also provides for a statutory consultative mechanism at the national level with balanced representation of all sections of stakeholders, particularly the three classes of enterprises; and with a wide range of advisory functions. Establishment of specific Funds for the promotion, development and enhancing competitiveness of these enterprises, notification of schemes/programmes for this purpose, progressive credit policies and practices, preference in Government procurement to products and services of the micro and small enterprises, more effective mechanisms for mitigating the problems of delayed payments to micro and small enterprises and assurance of a scheme for easing the closure of business by these enterprises are some of the other features of the Act.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy
With the promulgation of the MSMED Act, 2006, the restrictive 24% ceiling prescribed for equity holding by industrial undertakings, whether domestic or foreign, in the MSEs has been done away with and MSEs are defined solely on the basis of investment in plant and machinery (manufacturing enterprises) and equipment (service enterprises). Thus, the present policy on FDI in MSE permit FDI subject only to the sectoral equity caps, entry routes and other relevant sectoral regulations.
The issue of de-reservation had been a subject of animated debate within government for more than twenty years. The Approach to the Eleventh Five Year Plan noted the adverse implications of reservation of products for exclusive manufacture by the MSEs and recommended the policy of progressive de-reservation.
To facilitate further investments for technological up-gradation and higher productivity in the micro and small enterprises, 654 items have been taken off the list of items reserved for exclusive manufacture by the manufacturing micro and small enterprises in the last few years – reducing it to 21 at present. This has helped the sector in enlarging the scale of operations and also paved the way for entry of larger enterprises in the manufacture of these products in keeping with the global standards.
Credit/Finance
Credit is one of the critical inputs for the promotion and development of the micro and small enterprises. Some of the features of existing credit policy for the MSEs are:
Priority Sector Lending: Credit to the MSEs is part of the Priority Sector Lending Policy of the banks. For the public and private sector banks, 40% of the net bank credit (NBC) is earmarked for the Priority Sector. For the foreign banks, however, 32% of the NBC is earmarked for the Priority Sector, of which 10% is earmarked for the MSE sector. Any shortfall in such lending by the foreign banks has to be deposited in the Small Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) to be set up by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
Institutional Arrangement: The SIDBI is the principal financial institution for promotion, financing and development of the MSE sector. Apart from extending financial assistance to the sector, it coordinates the functions of institutions engaged in similar activities. SIDBI's major operations are in the areas of : (i) refinance assistance (ii) direct lending, and (iii) development and support services. Commercial banks are important channels of credit dispensation to the sector and play a pivotal role in financing the working capital requirements, besides providing term loans (in the form of composite loans). At the State level, State Financial Corporations (SFCs) and twin-functional State Industrial Development Corporations (SIDCs) are the main sources of long-term finance for the MSE sector.
Recognising the importance of easy and adequate availability of credit in sustainable growth of the MSE sector, the Government has announced a “Policy Package for Stepping Up Credit to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”, with the objective of doubling the flow of credit to this sector within a period of five years.
Emerging Sources: Faced with increased competition on account of globalisation, MSMEs are beginning to move from an obsession with bank credit to a variety of other specialized financial services and options. In recent years, the country has witnessed increased flow of capital in the form of primary/secondary securities market, venture capital and private equity, external commercial borrowings, factoring services, etc. More advanced MSMEs have started realising the importance of these alternative sources of funding to raise resources and the need for adopting better governance norms to take advantage of these funding sources. The enactment of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 is expected to provide a thrust to the MSMEs in their move towards corporatisation.
Competitive Technology
In today's fast paced global business scenario, technology has become more vital than ever before. With a view to foster the growth of MSME sector in the country, Government has set up ten state-of-the-art Tool Rooms and Training Centers. These Tool Rooms provide invaluable service to the Indian industry by way of precision tooling and providing well-trained craftsmen in the area of tool and die making. These Tool Room are highly proficient in mould and die making technology and promote precision and quality in the development and manufacture of sophisticated moulds, dies and tools. The Tool Rooms are not only equipped with the best technology but are also abreast with the latest advancements like CAD/CAM, CNC machining for tooling, Vacuum Heat Treatment, Rapid Prototyping, etc.
The Tool Room & Training Centres also offer various training programmes to meet the wide spectrum of technical manpower required in the manufacturing sector. The training programmes are designed with optimum blend of theory and practice giving the trainees exposure on actual jobs and hands on working experience. The Tool Rooms have also developed special training programmes to meet the requirements at international level, which are attended by participants from all over the globe.
National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme
The National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme is the nodal programme of the Government of India to develop global competitiveness among Indian MSMEs. Conceptualised by the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council, the Programme was initiated in 2007-08.
Export Promotion
Export promotion from the MSE sector has been accorded a high priority. To help MSEs in exporting their products, the following facilities/incentives are provided: (i) Products of MSE exporters are displayed in international exhibitions and the expenditure incurred is reimbursed by the Government; (ii) To acquaint MSE exporters with latest packaging standards, techniques, etc., training programme on packaging for exporters are organised in various parts of the country in association with the Indian Institute of Packaging; (iii) Under the MSE Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme, assistance is provided to individuals for participation in overseas fairs/exhibitions, overseas study tours, or tours of individuals as member of a trade delegation going abroad. The Scheme also offers assistance for (a) sector specific market study by MSE Associations/Export Promotion Councils/Federation of Indian Export Organisation; (b) Initiating/contesting anti-dumping cases by MSE Associations; and (c) reimbursement of 75 per cent of the one time registration fee and annual fee (recurring for first three years) charged by GSI India (formerly EAN India) for adoption of Bar Coding.
Infrastructure Development
For setting up of industrial estates and to develop infrastructure facilities like power distribution network, water, telecommunication, drainage and pollution control facilities, roads, banks, raw materials, storage and marketing outlets, common service facilities and technological back up services, etc, for MSMEs, the Integrated Infrastructural Development (IID) Scheme was launched in 1994. The scheme covers rural as well as urban areas with a provision of 50 per cent reservation for rural areas and 50 per cent industrial plots are to be reserved for the micro-enterprises. The Scheme also provides for up-gradation/strengthening of the infrastructural facilities in the existing industrial estates.
Fiscal Concessions
Under the General Excise Exemption Scheme, full excise exemption up to turnover of $375 thousand per annum is provided to enterprises having annual turnover of up to $1 million. However, the limits of excise exemptions has encouraged tendency among MSEs to go in for horizontal expansion (i.e. fragmentation) rather than vertical expansion and upward graduation into medium and large enterprises. For incentivising such graduation of small to medium/large enterprises so as to enable them to achieve economies of scale, extension of excise exemptions to the graduating medium enterprises on a tapering scale is under consideration of the Government.
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