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MSME stands for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. In India, these enterprises are classified based on their investment in plant and machinery/equipment or turnover. The classification criteria for MSMEs were introduced under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act of 2006. This classification is aimed at providing targeted support and incentives to enterprises at different stages of growth and development. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria:
Micro Enterprises:
Micro Enterprises are the smallest category of businesses. In the manufacturing sector, a micro-enterprise is one where the investment in plant and machinery does not exceed ₹1 crore. In the services sector, it is a business where the investment in equipment does not exceed ₹1 crore.
Small Enterprises:
Small Enterprises are slightly larger than micro-enterprises but still relatively small in size. In the manufacturing sector, a small enterprise is one where the investment in plant and machinery is more than ₹1 crore but does not exceed ₹10 crore. In the services sector, it is a business where the investment in equipment is more than ₹1 crore but does not exceed ₹5 crore.
Medium Enterprises:
Medium Enterprises are larger than both micro and small enterprises but are still considered small-scale compared to larger corporations. In the manufacturing sector, a medium enterprise is one where the investment in plant and machinery is more than ₹10 crore but does not exceed ₹50 crore. In the services sector, it is a business where the investment in equipment is more than ₹5 crore but does not exceed ₹50 crore.
The classification of MSMEs is important for various reasons, including access to finance, government schemes and incentives, procurement preferences, and statistical reporting. MSMEs play a crucial role in the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, industrial output, and overall economic growth.
The Government of India offers several schemes and initiatives to support MSMEs, such as the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), MSME Business Loans in 59 Minutes, and more.
Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): CGTMSE is a collateral-free credit facility provided to MSMEs to enable easier access to finance. Under this scheme, the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust covers up to 85% of the loan amount for loans up to ₹2 crore, thereby reducing the risk for lenders and encouraging them to extend credit to MSMEs.
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): PMEGP is a credit-linked subsidy scheme launched by the Ministry of MSMEs to generate employment opportunities through the establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided for setting up new projects or expanding existing ones in the form of subsidy and credit.
MSME Business Loans in 59 Minutes: This initiative offers quick and hassle-free loans to MSMEs through an online platform. MSMEs can apply for loans up to ₹5 crore and receive an in-principle approval within 59 minutes. The loans are provided by participating banks and NBFCs with the support of the government.
Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS): TUFS aims to promote technology upgradation in MSMEs by providing financial assistance for the modernization and expansion of existing units or setting up new units with state-of-the-art technology. The scheme offers subsidies and interest reimbursement on loans taken for technology upgradation.
Interest Subvention Scheme for MSMEs: Under this scheme, MSMEs are provided interest subsidy on loans taken for specified activities such as modernization, expansion, and working capital requirements. The government provides interest subvention of 3% on eligible loans, thereby reducing the cost of borrowing for MSMEs.
National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Single Point Registration Scheme: NSIC offers a single-point registration scheme for MSMEs to facilitate their participation in government tenders and procurement processes. Once registered, MSMEs are eligible for various benefits such as exemption from earnest money deposit and preference in government purchases.
Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS): CLCSS provides financial assistance to MSMEs for upgrading their technology and machinery by offering a subsidy on the capital investment made for eligible machinery and equipment. The scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs by reducing their capital costs.