MSME stands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. In a developing country like India, MSME industries are the backbone of the economy.
The MSME sector contributes to 45% of India’s Total Industrial Employment, 50% of India’s Total Exports and 95% of all industrial units of the country and more than 6000 types of products are manufactured in these industries (As per msme.gov.in). When these industries grow, the economy of the country grows as a whole and flourishes. These industries are also known as small-scale industries or SSI’s.
Even if the Company is in the manufacturing line or the service line, registrations for both these areas can be obtained through the MSME act. This registration is not yet made mandatory by the Government but it is beneficial to get one’s business registered under this because it provides a lot of benefits in terms of taxation, setting up the business, credit facilities, loans etc.
The MSME became operational on October 02, 2006. It was established to promote, facilitate and develop the competitiveness of the micro, small and medium enterprises.
MSME are classified into two categories:
i. Manufacturing enterprise; and
ii. Service enterprise.
They are defined in term of investment in Plant and Machinery/ Equipment as below
MICRO | SMALL | MEDIUM | |
Manufacturing Enterprises | Rs 2,500,000 | Less than Rs 50,000,000 | Less than Rs 100,000,000 |
Service Enterprises | Less than Rs 10,00,000 | Less than Rs 20,000,000 | Less than Rs 50,000,000 |
The entity has to submit documents like business address proof, copies of purchase and sale bill, and licenses from regulatory bodies.
If the premise is self-owned– Allotment letter, possession letter, lease deed or property tax receipt. If there is a municipal license in the business name or in the name of the proprietor, partner or director of the business, no other possession document is required to be submitted.
If the premise is rented– Rent receipt and a No Objection Certificate from the landlord is required. Also, any utility bill or document evidencing the landlord’s ownership is to be submitted.
Business is required to submit a copy of sale bill related to each end product that it will supply. Also, for each raw material that it will purchase, a purchase bill has to be submitted.
If the business is a partnership firm, it has to submit its partnership deed. If the partnership firm is registered, it has to submit registration certificate also.
In case of a company, a copy of Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, and certificate of incorporation has to be submitted. With it, a copy of the resolution passed in general meeting, and the copy of board resolution authorizing a director to sign the MSME application is also to be submitted.
Aadhaar card is a 12 digit number given to all individuals by the government. In this, the Aadhaar card is a mandatory requirement. The benefit of registering in this scheme is ease in availing credit, loans, and subsidies from the government. Registration can be done both ways in the online mode or the offline mode.
In this model, goods that are manufactured for export have to adhere to a certain standard so that they are not rejected or sent back to India. To achieve this the government has launched this scheme. In this, if the goods are exported these are eligible for some rebates and concessions.
Registering in this scheme will help the micro, small and medium enterprises to understand and implement the quality standards that are required to be maintained along with the new technology. In this scheme, activities are conducted to sensitize the businesses about the new technology available through various seminars, campaigns, activities etc.
Registering under this scheme is beneficial in terms of getting the complaints of the business owners addressed. In this, the business owners can check the status of their complaints, open them if they are not satisfied with the outcome.
This scheme helps innovators with the implementation of their new design, ideas or products. Under this from 75% to 80% of the project cost can be financed by the government. This scheme promotes new ideas, designs, products etc.
Under this scheme, new technology is provided to the business owners to replace their old and obsolete technology. A capital subsidy is given to the business to upgrade and have better means to do their business. These small, micro and medium enterprises can directly approach the banks for these subsidies.
This scheme is especially started for women who want to start their own business. The government provides capital, counseling, training and delivery techniques to these women so that they manage their business and expand it.
The government has launched a number of more schemes and support system for these enterprises. To know more about the MSME schemes.