Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma launches MSME push on International MSME Day
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on 27 June unveiled a sweeping package of policy measures to strengthen Rajasthan's MSME ecosystem, announcing new industrial hubs, enhanced startup funding, and regulatory reforms at a function held at the Constitution Club in Jaipur on the occasion of International MSME Day. The state, which now hosts more than 33 lakh enterprises, is currently ranked as the fourth-largest MSME base in the country.
Key Announcements
Among the headline measures, the Chief Minister announced the development of dedicated Haats for artisans, weavers, and micro-enterprises under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, to be initially set up in Pushkar, Nathdwara, Jaisalmer, and Alwar. He also confirmed financial assistance for 25 new startups through the Rajasthan Venture Capital Fund this year, and launched the Rajasthan Industrial Development Policy, the ODOP Coffee Table Book, and the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) Portal.
On the electronics and semiconductor front, the government announced strengthened incentives under RIPS-2024, including reduced investment thresholds and expanded phase flexibility — projects covered under the Government of India's ECMS scheme can now invest across up to five phases instead of three. Monthly stipend support for women and differently-abled trainees in electronics and semiconductor skill development programmes was raised from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
Regulatory Reforms and Ease of Doing Business
Sharma said the state government has implemented reforms across 23 key sectors to improve ease of doing business. The approval timeline for land-use conversion in urban areas has been halved — from 60 days to 30 days — while the period for granting permission to commence industrial operations has been slashed from 120 days to 30 days. The list of 'White Category' non-polluting industries has been expanded from 104 to 877, significantly reducing regulatory compliance burdens for MSMEs.
Under the Direct Allotment Policy-2025, more than 1,600 industrial plots have been allotted across the state in the past year to ensure timely land availability. The capital subsidy period for MSMEs under RIPS has also been reduced from 10 years to seven years.
Industrial Infrastructure and New Hubs
Highlighting Rajasthan's long-term industrial roadmap, the Chief Minister said the government is developing new industrial hubs including solar panel manufacturing parks, ceramic parks, data centre parks, and defence manufacturing parks. He also referenced the Viksit Gram-Ward Abhiyan, under which a development roadmap is being prepared to promote unique local products from every district and provide them with global recognition.
Sharma also distributed cheques worth over ₹13 crore — comprising loans, grants, and subsidies under various schemes of the Department of Industries and Commerce — along with RIICO land allotment letters and offer letters to beneficiaries of state industrial schemes.
What Ministers Said
Industries and Commerce Minister Col Rajyavardhan Rathore said the government is working to create an investor-friendly ecosystem through policy reforms and the expansion of industrial infrastructure, noting that 33 new industrial areas have been developed with necessary approvals. Minister of State for Industries and Commerce K.K. Bishnoi said Rajasthan is witnessing renewed momentum in MSMEs, skill development, and industrial growth under the Chief Minister's leadership.
With the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit already having bolstered investor confidence, the state government's next challenge will be translating policy announcements into verifiable employment and output gains on the ground.