Addressing Challenges of MSMEs Requires a Cluster Approach: NITI Aayog CEO

Synopsis

BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, stated that MSMEs should not operate in isolation but should face challenges in clusters. He emphasized the importance of technology, skilled workforce, and quality certifications for the growth of MSMEs and the nation.

Key Takeaways

MSMEs must be supported in clusters, not isolation.
Government should assist in transitioning enterprises to larger scales.
Enhancing technology and skills is crucial for MSME growth.
Dx-EDGE initiative empowers MSMEs for digital transformation.
MSMEs are key to India's journey towards becoming a developed nation.

New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized on Wednesday that MSMEs should not be viewed in isolation; rather, their challenges need to be approached collectively within clusters and groups.

During an event hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi, Subrahmanyam asserted that today’s medium enterprises will evolve into the large enterprises of tomorrow.

He remarked that the government must actively support these enterprises in their transition from micro to small, small to medium, and medium to large.

The NITI Aayog CEO highlighted three primary challenges confronting MSMEs: enhancing technology, acquiring a skilled workforce, and overcoming quality certification hurdles.

He stated that India cannot achieve developed nation status without elevating its manufacturing standards and systems nationwide.

“Education and skills, alongside MSMEs, are pivotal in India’s pursuit of a Viksit Bharat,” he emphasized.

Subrahmanyam also introduced the ‘Digital Excellence for Growth and Enterprise’ (Dx-EDGE), a platform designed to equip MSMEs with essential tools, knowledge, and an ecosystem to become future-ready, competitive, and resilient.

“This initiative aims to democratize access to skills and innovation through a nationwide network of digital transformation facilitation centers, allowing MSMEs to scale sustainably, enhance their global competitiveness, and play a crucial role in realizing the Viksit Bharat vision,” he added.

As per SCL Das, Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, leveraging frontier technology and digitalization has become vital for MSMEs to navigate global challenges and grow into a developed nation.

He noted that MSMEs must be central to advancing domestic growth, boosting exports, adapting to climate change, and achieving the necessary resilience and technological advancement.

Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog and Chief Architect of NITI FTH, stated that integrating digital technologies into MSMEs is essential for realizing Viksit Bharat.

“With Dx-EDGE, we are creating an innovative ecosystem-led initiative to empower MSMEs to adopt technology, enhance resilience, and prosper in a rapidly digitalizing world,” she remarked.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General of CII, underscored the importance of MSMEs in the Indian economy and mentioned that Dx-EDGE will address the technology adoption gap within this sector.