NEW DELHI, Dec 13: India has witnessed a remarkable surge in women-led enterprises, with over 2.2 crore women-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered in the last four years. This growth is largely attributed to the revised MSME definition introduced on July 1, 2020. By November 30, 2024, a total of 2,20,73,675 women-owned MSMEs had been registered on the Udyam Registration Portal (URP) and Udyam Assist Platform (UAP).
The trend is particularly evident in districts like Rajasthan’s Tonk and Sawai Madhopur, where 7,803 women-led MSMEs account for 13% of all enterprises. In Gujarat’s Valsad district, 11,942 such units represent 18.24% of the total businesses. These figures reflect the growing presence and contribution of women entrepreneurs in the Indian economy.
To support this growth, the government has implemented various initiatives aimed at fostering women’s participation in business. Special registration drives have helped formalize women-led enterprises, while amendments to the 2018 Public Procurement Policy now require that 3% of annual purchases by Central Ministries and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) come from women entrepreneurs, expanding their market access.
In addition, the government has rolled out financial schemes such as the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), which offers women-led businesses a 10% concession on guarantee fees and 90% coverage, compared to 75% for other businesses. Women entrepreneurs also benefit from the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), which offers credit-linked subsidies with higher rates—25% in urban areas and 35% in rural areas—compared to the general rates.
Furthermore, skill development programs like the ‘Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana’ provide women artisans with valuable training, while the Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme fully subsidizes their participation in trade fairs. The ‘Yashasvini Campaign,’ launched in June 2024, further empowers women entrepreneurs by offering resources for formalization, credit, capacity building, and mentorship.
