President Droupadi Murmu on Friday addressed the MSME Day 2025 celebration in New Delhi, highlighting the central role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Describing MSMEs as a “strong pillar of the country’s economy,” the President noted their contribution to GDP, grassroots innovation, and employment generation, especially in rural and underdeveloped regions. She underscored their significance in driving inclusive growth by empowering marginalized communities and decentralising development.
“A robust MSME ecosystem is not only important but essential for the country’s sustainable economic development,” President Murmu stated in her address.
She acknowledged the sector’s persistent challenges — including limited access to finance, competition from larger corporations, inadequate technology, shortage of skilled labour, difficulties in raw material procurement, limited market access, and delayed payments. She emphasized the need to overcome these barriers to fully unlock the potential of MSMEs.
Recognising these issues, the President lauded the government’s policy initiatives. These include revising classification criteria for MSMEs, enhancing credit availability, and mandating that central ministries and public sector enterprises source at least 35 percent of their procurement from micro and small enterprises. She also highlighted skill development programmes under PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
Expressing satisfaction with the sharp rise in registered MSMEs, President Murmu conveyed optimism that new measures such as the Online Dispute Resolution Portal would help address the sector’s long-standing issue of delayed payments.
Stressing the need for innovation, she urged MSMEs to support grassroots solutions by leveraging local resources for affordable problem-solving. The President also welcomed the rise in women’s participation across the MSME landscape, encouraging young women to embrace entrepreneurship and contribute to the country’s self-reliance and inclusive development.
On sustainability, President Murmu noted that while MSMEs are vital to economic growth, they also account for a significant share of energy consumption and emissions. She called for a transition to green technology within the sector, emphasising that such a move would enhance competitiveness and align with India’s broader climate goals.
The MSME Day 2025 celebrations also featured the release of a “Know Your Lender” handbook prepared by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, aimed at empowering MSMEs with critical information to access informed credit sources.
Union Minister of MSME Jitan Ram Manjhi, Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, and senior officials from the MSME Ministry and KVIC were present at the event.
