MSME
As per the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006,
MSMEs are classified based on their investment in plant and machinery/equipment and
annual turnover:
Revised Classification (w.e.f. 1st July 2020):
Category Investment in Plant & Machinery/Equipment Annual Turnover
Micro Up to ₹1 crore Up to ₹5 crore
Small Up to ₹10 crore Up to ₹50 crore
Medium Up to ₹50 crore Up to ₹250 crore
Benefits of MSME Registration
Financial Assistance:
Access to low-interest loans.
Priority in government tenders.
Collateral-free credit under the Credit Guarantee Scheme.
Tax Benefits:
Direct tax exemptions.
Easier access to subsidies.
Market Support:
Marketing assistance under government schemes.
Protection against delayed payments under the MSMED Act.
Other Advantages:
Reduced patent registration fees.
Subsidies for technology upgrades.
ISO certification reimbursements.
Key MSME Schemes in India
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP):
Aims to generate self-employment opportunities through micro-enterprises.
Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE):
Provides collateral-free loans.
MUDRA Loan Scheme:
Offers financial support to micro-enterprises in manufacturing, trading, and
service sectors.
Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme:
Provides financial assistance for khadi and village industries.
Cluster Development Programme (CDP):
Supports infrastructural development for MSME clusters.
ZED Certification Scheme:
Focuses on promoting quality and eco-friendly manufacturing.
Digital MSME:
Encourages the adoption of digital tools for MSMEs.
How to Register as an MSME
Registration Process (via Udyam Registration):
Visit the Udyam Registration Portal: https://udyamregistration.gov.in
Documents Required:
Aadhaar card of the proprietor/partners/director.
PAN card.
GSTIN (if applicable).
Steps:
Fill in the personal and business details.
Submit the application.
A unique Udyam Registration Number (URN) is issued.
Key Legal Protetions for MSMEs
Delayed Payment Protection:
Buyers must pay within 45 days of accepting goods/services.
Interest on delayed payments is 3 times the bank rate notified by RBI.
MSME Facilitation Council:
Resolves disputes related to delayed payments.
Tax Benefits:
GST concessions for micro and small enterprises.
Challenges Faced by MSMEs
Limited access to technology.
Difficulty in scaling operations.
Inadequate financial literacy.
Delayed payments from large corporations.