The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the International MSME Day 2025 celebrations in New Delhi on Friday, underlining the vital role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in shaping a resilient and inclusive Indian economy.
“MSMEs are a strong pillar of our economy,” she stated, emphasising their contribution to GDP, grassroots innovation, and employment generation, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. “A robust MSME ecosystem is essential for sustainable economic development.”
President Murmu highlighted the sector’s challenges, including limited access to credit, outdated technology, workforce gaps, delayed payments, and competition from large corporations. She lauded several government measures aimed at resolving these issues, such as:
- Updated MSME classification criteria
- Expansion of credit facilities
- 35% procurement target from MSMEs for central bodies
- Online Dispute Resolution Portal for faster payment settlements
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana for skill-building among artisans
The President stressed the importance of innovation at the grassroots level, calling on MSMEs to harness local resources to develop frugal, sustainable solutions. “Innovation ensures long-term sustainability and competitive advantage,” she noted.
She also applauded the growing participation of women entrepreneurs, urging more young women to start ventures and take leadership in building India’s future economy. “The country’s holistic development is incomplete without women-led enterprises,” she affirmed.
On sustainability, President Murmu acknowledged that MSMEs are significant contributors to energy use and emissions, urging the adoption of green technologies to align with India’s climate goals.
Her remarks underscored a roadmap where MSMEs not only drive economic growth but also foster social equity, gender inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
