New Delhi: The government is ready to allocate areas specifically for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the 20 industrial townships being developed across the country. MSMEs are a critical component of industrial growth and the backbone of larger industries, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said during his address at the Assocham Bharat@100 Summit in New Delhi today.
Goyal stated that MSMEs are essential for supporting large industries within their ecosystem. He assured that discussions with state governments would explore providing dedicated areas for MSMEs in industrial parks and townships. He added that concessional land rates could be offered to facilitate their growth and development in these zones.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Fuelling Bharat’s Global Rise,” Goyal emphasised the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Pran’ initiative, which outlines the vision for a developed India, shedding colonial legacies, pride in heritage, unity and integrity, and collective responsibility towards the nation. Referring to the recently passed Boilers Bill, 2024, he highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting ease of doing business by streamlining processes, reducing compliance burdens, and decriminalising laws, benefiting MSMEs nationwide.
On sustainability and rising consumption, Goyal noted that India must aim to become a developed nation by adopting sustainable practices. He criticised developed countries for outsourcing production to emerging economies, leading to environmental degradation, and pointed out that India’s traditional respect for nature has led it to embrace a circular economy well ahead of others. He stressed that consumption patterns, not just manufacturing, are directly linked to carbon emissions.
Highlighting government welfare schemes in food security, water, electricity, and digital connectivity, Goyal said these programmes are implemented without any discrimination based on religion, caste, or creed. He remarked that caste-based census and reservations on religious grounds have outlived their relevance, urging citizens to prioritise making India a great nation. He also encouraged individuals to speak out against corruption and inefficiencies.
Goyal reiterated the government’s commitment to skill development, noting that an allocation of ₹2 lakh crore had been made for this purpose. He called for public-private-academia partnerships to drive these initiatives and urged academic institutions to incorporate entrepreneurship into their curricula.
Concluding his address, Goyal urged the members of the business community to inspire young people to embrace entrepreneurship and move away from a job-seeking mindset. He encouraged fostering a culture where the youth are motivated to take bold decisions and embrace risks.
BI Bureau
