Long Answer
Medium difficulty • Structured explanation
Question 1
Long FormAnalyse how MSMEs contribute to the socio-economic development of India.
- MSMEs contribute about 29.7 per cent of GDP and 49.66 per cent of exports, making them a critical driver of economic growth, industrial output, and foreign exchange earnings.
- As the second largest employer after agriculture, MSMEs employ about 60 million people and generate more employment per unit of capital invested than large industries, benefiting India's labour-surplus economy.
- By using locally available resources and indigenous technology without locational constraints, MSMEs promote balanced regional development and prevent rural-to-urban migration, reducing income inequalities.
- MSMEs encourage entrepreneurship by providing opportunities for people with latent skills to start businesses with minimal capital and formalities, widening the entrepreneurial base of the country.
- Their low cost of production due to lower overhead expenses, quick decision-making capability, and adaptability to customised production give them a competitive advantage in both domestic and export markets.