According to a survey, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has emerged as one of India’s top three states in terms of contributions to the country’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, accounting for 9 per cent of the total. CBRE South Asia, a real estate consultancy, has published the conclusions of its report, ‘MSMEs: Unleashing the Engines of Economic Prosperity’. The report underscores the crucial contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in shaping India’s economy.
The report further highlights a regional concentration of MSME activity, with states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh collectively constituting a substantial portion of the country’s MSME landscape. The three states account for nearly 40 per cent of the total MSMEs registered in India. This emphasizes not only the diverse distribution of MSMEs across the nation but also the significance of these states in driving the overall vibrancy and economic impact of the sector. Following policy initiatives have supported the MSME ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh:
- 50 per cent interest subsidy for micro units capped at Rs 25 lakh
- Approved projects with 10 acres or more eligible for annual infrastructure interest subsidy of up to 50 per cent, capped at Rs 2 crore annually
- 100 per cent stamp duty exemption in select regions; also, women entrepreneurs and MSME industrial park developers
Additionally, the report emphasises the pivotal role played by the Udyam scheme, a government initiative designed to promote and foster the growth of MSMEs, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. The report explores the significant shifts underway in India’s MSME financing scene, driven by technological advancements and collaborative partnerships.
Several cities in Uttar Pradesh have emerged as MSME clusters, with Agra, Kanpur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Meerut and Ghaziabad leading in enrolling for the Udyam scheme. To further incentivise MSMEs, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a range of schemes. These strategic measures, complemented by the state’s proactive incentives, have been instrumental in driving the expansion of India’s MSME sector. In addition, by holding a significant position in the microsegment and establishing a robust presence in rural areas, the MSME sector is strategically positioning itself to meet the demands of rural markets and cater to low-income consumers. This strategic alignment positions the sector as a central force in alleviating regional disparities and promoting a more equitable income distribution.
Construction and allied sectors benefits from MSMEs
Further, the report highlights the construction sector, contributing approximately 8 per cent to the GDP, as a strategic opportunity for Indian MSMEs. With the construction sector poised to become the third largest globally in the next three years, unorganised firms in this domain are expected to derive significant benefits by registering under the MSME ambit. The integration of digitisation, traditional banking systems, and open protocols has created a more inclusive financing ecosystem, dismantling barriers for a broader segment of MSMEs. The collaboration between traditional banks and fintech firms serves as a key driver of this transformative journey, combining banking expertise with fintech agility and data-driven capabilities.
Anshuman Magazine, Chairman, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “As the MSME sector continues to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s economic tapestry, Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a powerhouse reaffirms its significance in driving growth and reducing regional imbalances. The transformative shift in MSME financing, fuelled by technology and collaborative partnerships, is dismantling barriers and fostering a resilient, innovative entrepreneurial landscape. Together, strategic initiatives and technological advancements herald a future where MSMEs not only contribute substantially to GDP, employment, and exports but also stand as beacons of inclusive and sustainable economic development.”
Boman Irani, CMD, Rustomjee Group, National President, CREDAI, stated, “Uttar Pradesh’s dominance in the MSME sector is a testament to the state’s vibrant entrepreneurial landscape and the efficacy of government initiatives. The Udyam scheme has been instrumental in fostering the growth of MSMEs, and the state’s strategic incentives have played a pivotal role in propelling India’s MSME landscape. The state’s position as a key contributor to India’s MSME sector underscores its potential as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation.
Similarly, the real estate sector, being a crucial driver of economic development and employment, requires streamlined regulations, skill development, and technology adoption. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry, and financial institutions are vital to provide the necessary support for sustained growth in both MSMEs and real estate, ensuring a robust, inclusive, and resilient economic future for India”
The nurturing of the MSME sector involves not only addressing existing challenges but also proactively fostering an ecosystem that encourages innovation and creativity. Initiatives that promote skill development facilitate technology adoption and streamline regulatory procedures can contribute significantly to the sector’s sustained growth. Moreover, collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, and financial institutions can help create a robust support system, ensuring that the MSMEs receive the necessary resources and guidance to navigate the evolving economic landscape. By recognising the sector’s role as a dynamic engine of economic progress and implementing measures to bolster its growth, we need to pave the way for India’s more robust, inclusive, and resilient economic future.