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As a business man in any country one needs to register their businesses or companies under proper governmental schemes or else starting a business can have several issues because of Tax implications etc. Therefore, to make it easy for people to register their companies and businesses Government of India came with this amazing idea of starting MSME registrations.

What is the Meaning or Full Form of MSME?
MSME means Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

MSMEs support industries as ancillary units, hence contributing gigantically to the overall industrial development of the country. Most of these businesses are working for the production, manufacturing, and processing of goods and commodities.

Also, as per Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Act, 2006, MSMEs are classified into three categories:

1. Micro Enterprises:
   Any enterprise where the investment in the plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed INR 1 Crore, and turnover does not exceed INR 5 Crores is termed as Micro Enterprises.
    
2. Small Enterprises:
   Any enterprise where the investment in the plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed INR 10 Crore, and turnover does not exceed INR 50 crores is termed as a small enterprise.
    
3. Medium Enterprises:
   Any enterprise where the investment in the plant and machinery or equipment does not exceed INR 50 crores, and turnover does not exceeds INR 250 crores is termed as medium enterprise.

Through MSMEs, the Government of India has come up with several employment schemes and also provided several options for these businesses to finance their business requirements. Business owners can apply for MSME business loans at attractive rates through any bank for easy financing options.

Difference between SME and MSME

SME (Small and Medium Enterprises): SMEs, or Small and Medium Enterprises, are a vital part of the Indian economy, encompassing businesses from both the manufacturing and services sectors. The definition of SMEs is outlined in Section 7 of the MSME Development Act, 2006. This category encompasses a diverse range of enterprises, varying from small local retail stores to larger franchise outlets.

MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises): The term MSME, which stands for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises, is used to classify enterprises (both urban and rural) based on certain factors. These factors include the scale of investment and the level of turnover. The government has redefined the criteria for MSMEs to create an objective and streamlined system of classification, thus facilitating a more business-friendly environment. This redefinition involved raising the investment limit and incorporating a turnover criterion.

In essence, the terms SME and MSME are often used interchangeably to refer to the same group of businesses in India, but the latter is a more comprehensive and specific classification that takes into account both investment and turnover factors for the purpose of classification and ease of conducting business.

Characteristics of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs)
The distinctive attributes of MSMEs contribute significantly to the advancement of the economy. These enterprises serve as essential sources of employment for a multitude of artisans and laborers. Moreover, they foster the spirit of entrepreneurship, nurturing the cultivation of specialized skills within the workforce. Beyond these impacts, MSMEs also play a pivotal role in driving technological advancement, bolstering infrastructure, and fortifying entire sectors. Their presence is a driving force in channeling growth both within domestic boundaries and across international markets.

Notably, MSMEs have assumed a pivotal role within the framework of the Government's 'Make in India' initiative. This visionary program aims to propel India's manufacturing sector and establish the nation as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Through their inherent dynamism and contributions, MSMEs are actively propelling the realization of this initiative's goals.

Challenges faced by MSMEs

Despite the significant strides made by MSMEs in India over recent years, this sector is not devoid of its share of challenges. Among these, financial hurdles emerge as a paramount concern, exerting a pivotal influence on the trajectory of MSME progress. The accessibility to funds remains a thorny issue as a considerable number of MSME proprietors find themselves unable to secure loans from financial institutions. This can be attributed to the scarcity of credible collateral and a stable income stream.

Compounding the challenges, the reliance on informal workers who often lack the necessary skills and expertise becomes a noticeable setback in elevating productivity levels. This divergence places India's MSMEs at a comparative disadvantage when compared to their international counterparts. Furthermore, the deficiency in managerial acumen, entrepreneurial prowess, and effective marketing skills emerges as another formidable hurdle obstructing sectoral growth. Elevating sales figures and capturing a wider customer base necessitates a judicious blend of well-crafted marketing strategies.

Adding to the conundrum, a lack of awareness among many MSMEs hampers their adoption of modernized technology, thus thwarting their potential for growth. This technology gap is a significant barrier that the sector needs to overcome in order to flourish in the contemporary business landscape.

New Definition of MSMEs as per The Gazette of India
MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 1st June, 2020

S.O. 1702(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) read with sub-section (9) of section 7 of the ‘Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 (27 of 2006) and in supersession of the notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Small Scale Industries, dated the 29th September, 2006, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section3, Sub-section(ii), vide S.O. 1642(E), dated the 30th September 2006 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Government, hereby notifies the following criteria for classification of micro, small and medium enterprises, namely:—

(i) a micro enterprise, where the investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed one crore rupees and turnover does not exceed five crore rupees;

(ii) a small enterprise, where the investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed ten crore rupees and turnover does not exceed fifty crore rupees;

(iii) a medium enterprise, where the investment in Plant and Machinery or Equipment does not exceed fifty crore rupees and turnover does not exceed two hundred and fifty crore rupees.

This notification shall come into effect from 01.07.2020.

Click here to read full Notification on Governmeny Website