According to recent data shared by MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, 39% of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) registered under the revised MSME definition of 2020 are owned by women. This includes GST-exempted informal micro units registered on the Udyam portal via the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP).
As of July 25, 2024, out of approximately 4.78 crore Udyam-registered units since July 2020, including UAP units since January 2023, 1.84 crore enterprises were women-owned.
“The percentage of women owners of Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered on Udyam and Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) since the launch of Udyam on 01.07.2020 and the launch of UAP on 11.01.2023 in the country is 39 per cent,” stated Manjhi in his response.
Highlighting initiatives to increase the share of women MSMEs, Manjhi mentioned the amended Public Procurement Policy of 2018, which mandates Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to procure at least 3% of their annual procurement from women entrepreneurs.
“To support women entrepreneurs under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises, two provisions have been introduced effective from 01.12.2022: first, guarantee coverage of up to 85% as against 75% for others; and second, a 10% concession in annual guarantee fees,” added Manjhi.
In June this year, the MSME Ministry launched the Yashasvini initiative to campaign in Tier-II and III towns, aiming to empower women entrepreneurs by building their capacity.
Previously, the share of women-owned units in more than 2.10 crore MSMEs as of August 1 last year was 19.43%, according to government data cited by FE Aspire. This count also included UAP-registered enterprises.