National Small Industry Day is annually observed across India on 30th August to celebrate and recognise the contribution of small-scale industry to the development of India. The day aims to promote the value of small businesses in society and to encourage the small industries across India.
Background:
i.A comprehensive policy package for the Small Scale Industry(SSI) sector was announced on 30th August 2000 which provided a substantial measure of support to small businesses in India.
ii.The erstwhile Ministry of Small-Scale Industries (now Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME)) has decided to designate the 30th August of every year as the National Small Industry Day.
Role of Small Industries in India:
i.In India, the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) plays a major role in the value chain, offering diversified products and delivering intermediate goods for large scale industries.
ii.India has more than 6.3 crore MSMEs which has the ability to access international markets and work as ancillaries for larger international firms.
iii.In Exports, the MSME sector contributes around 45% in sub-sectors like textiles, leather, pharmaceuticals, automotive, gems & Jewellery.
Major reforms in MSME Sector:
Udyam Registration: it is an online procedure for filing of registration that enables the MSMEs to obtain registration without documentation and fees.
Champions Portal: It is an online platform to support MSMEs in difficult times. It is an ICT based technology system aimed to make smaller units big by solving their issues throughout the business lifecycle.
Establishment of Enterprise Development Centers (EDCs): EDCs have been conceptualised to provide MSME related information in one place.
The ministry has established more than 102 EDCs across India.
About Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises(MSME):
In 2007 Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries and Ministry of Small Scale Industries(SSI) were merged into a single Ministry, namely, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSME).
Union Minister– Narayan Tatu Rane(Rajya Sabha- Maharashtra)
Minister of State– Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma(Constituency- Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh)
