President Droupadi Murmu Highlights Vital Role of MSMEs in Nation’s Sustainable Growth on MSME Day 2025.
New Delhi:
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, today graced and addressed the national MSME Day celebration held in New Delhi, underscoring the pivotal role played by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s economic and social development.
Delivering her keynote address, President Murmu described MSMEs as the “strong pillar” of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment generation, grassroots innovation, and inclusive growth. “A robust MSME ecosystem is not just important—it is essential for the country’s sustainable economic development,” she said.
Key Role in Inclusive and Decentralized Development
The President emphasized that MSMEs are instrumental in generating employment at a relatively low capital cost, especially in rural and backward areas. “In doing so, MSMEs play a vital role in decentralizing development and empowering weaker sections of society,” she added, reinforcing the sector’s significance in achieving balanced regional growth.
Challenges Acknowledged, Reforms Applauded
While lauding the sector’s contributions, President Murmu candidly acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by MSMEs, including inadequate access to finance, outdated technology, raw material shortages, lack of skilled manpower, competition from large corporations, market limitations, and delayed payments.
She noted that the Government of India has taken proactive steps to address these issues. Among the major initiatives highlighted were:
- Revision of MSME classification criteria for broader inclusion.
- Enhanced credit availability for enterprises.
- Mandating central ministries and public sector undertakings to procure at least 35% of their annual requirements from micro and small enterprises.
- Promotion of artisan skills under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
- Launch of the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal to expedite settlement of delayed payments.
She expressed optimism that these measures were already making a visible impact, especially in boosting formal registrations and fostering transparency in the sector.
Call for Innovation, Green Technology, and Women’s Participation
The President emphasized the need for innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability of MSMEs. “Grassroots innovations can create cost-effective solutions tailored to local needs by using local resources,” she said, encouraging MSMEs to focus on indigenous and scalable innovations.
She also expressed satisfaction over the growing participation of women entrepreneurs in the MSME sector, calling it vital for the country’s holistic development. “I urge more young women to enter entrepreneurship and become self-reliant,” she said, championing gender equality in economic empowerment.
On environmental responsibility, President Murmu called for the promotion of green technologies in the MSME sector. “MSMEs consume a significant share of energy and are responsible for a notable portion of emissions. Greening this sector is crucial not only for sustainability but also to help India meet its climate goals,” she emphasized.
A Vision for Resilient and Sustainable Growth
President Murmu’s address served as a clarion call to all stakeholders—governments, industries, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs—to work collaboratively in strengthening the MSME ecosystem. She concluded by expressing confidence that with the right policy support, inclusive participation, and innovation, the MSME sector will continue to be the backbone of India’s economic growth and a vehicle for equitable prosperity.
