New Delhi, 27th June 2025: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises marked World MSME Day 2025 with a day-long national celebration themed ‘Udyami Bharat’, held in New Delhi. The event brought together key policymakers, industry leaders, global partners, and entrepreneurs to reaffirm the pivotal role MSMEs play in building an Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) and Viksit Bharat (developed India).
Inaugurating the event, Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, underscored the strategic importance of the MSME sector in India’s economic transformation. “MSMEs are the backbone of India’s industrial landscape and will be a key force in our journey towards Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat,” said Shri Manjhi. He highlighted the government’s commitment to deepen its outreach, particularly in rural and remote areas, aligning with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
A Six-Pillar Strategy for Inclusive Growth
The Minister outlined a clear roadmap for the sector’s transformation, built on six key pillars:
-
Formalization and access to credit
-
Increased access to markets and e-commerce adoption
-
Boosting productivity through modern technology
-
Skill enhancement and digital transformation of the service sector
-
Support to Khadi, Village, and Coir industries for global integration
-
Empowerment of women and artisans through enterprise creation
“We must build on these pillars in a smart and meticulous way,” said Shri Manjhi, emphasizing that these foundational efforts would accelerate the sector’s integration with the national and global economy.
Launch of Key Initiatives: MSME TEAM & Yashasvini Campaign
Two flagship initiatives were launched during the event to support these objectives:
-
MSME TEAM Initiative: This ambitious programme aims to onboard five lakh micro and small enterprises onto the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Financial support will be provided for onboarding, cataloguing, packaging design, logistics, and account management. Notably, 50% of the beneficiary enterprises will be women-led, marking a significant push for gender inclusion in the digital economy.
-
Yashasvini Campaign: Focused on formalizing women-owned informal micro-enterprises, this nationwide awareness and capacity-building campaign will be rolled out across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in FY 2024–25. In collaboration with various central ministries, state governments, and women industry associations, the campaign will provide training, mentorship, and handholding support to women entrepreneurs.
President Launches MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0
As part of the MSME Day 2025 celebrations, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, officially launched the MSME Idea Hackathon 5.0—a national initiative designed to harness the innovation potential of India’s youth to solve real-world challenges faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The initiative invites students, early-stage entrepreneurs, and innovators to submit business ideas across sectors such as manufacturing, services, rural development, sustainability, digital solutions, and more. Selected ideas will receive financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh, along with mentorship and incubation support through registered Host Institutes (HIs).
“We must equip our youth not only with skills but also with the platform to turn ideas into enterprises. The Hackathon is such a platform—connecting innovation with impact,” said the President during the launch.
The Hackathon is part of the Ministry’s broader push to foster grassroots entrepreneurship under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. It builds on the success of Hackathon 4.0 (Youth Edition), which received over 25,000 complete idea submissions, out of which 488 ideas were shortlisted and funded—highlighting the enormous entrepreneurial energy in India.
Each selected idea not only receives funding but also gains access to incubation, technical guidance, and market linkages—transforming raw innovation into viable MSME ventures.
Union Minister Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi lauded the initiative, stating:
“Our aim is not just to create businesses but to create job creators—young leaders who can address problems, fill gaps, and help MSMEs scale.”
Colleges, incubators, and accelerators across the country have been urged to promote the Hackathon actively. With a special focus on Tier-II and Tier-III cities, the initiative aims to democratize entrepreneurship and reach the grassroots.
Voices from the Government and Global Partners
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, spoke about the government’s legal reforms to create a more conducive ecosystem for MSMEs. “Ease of doing business and ease of living are central to our reforms. Legal and technological innovations are helping MSMEs become globally competitive,” he noted.
Union Minister of State for MSME, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, emphasized the critical role of MSMEs in employment generation, manufacturing, and exports. “Innovation, creativity, and sustainability must guide our way forward,” she said, encouraging MSMEs to adopt future-ready practices.
The event also featured insights from Mr. Auguste Tano Kouame, Country Director, The World Bank, Justice (Retd.) Hemant Gupta, Chairperson of the India International Arbitration Centre, Shri Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, and Shri S.C.L. Das, Secretary, Ministry of MSME.
Looking Ahead
As India marches toward its centenary of independence in 2047, the MSME sector stands poised to be a driving engine of inclusive growth, innovation, and resilience. The initiatives and reforms announced on this World MSME Day reaffirm the government’s resolve to empower small businesses as not just participants, but leaders in the nation’s development story.
As Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi aptly said:
“The work before us is clear-cut. We must act with urgency, focus, and purpose to unleash the full potential of our micro, small, and medium enterprises.”
Disclaimer: This summary is for informational purposes and readers should verify specific details through official reports or consult industry professionals for comprehensive insights.
Be the first to comment