39% of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises registered with the MSME Ministry under the revised MSME definition of 2020 are women-owned, according to the data shared by the MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi recently in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. The count included the GST-exempted informal micro units registered on the Udyam portal via the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP).

As of July 25, 2024, 1.84 crore enterprises out of around 4.78 crore Udyam-registered units (since July 2020), including UAP units (since January 2023), were women-owned.

“The percentage of women owners of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered on Udyam and Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) since the launch of Udyam on 01.07.2020 and the launch of UAP on 11.01.2023 in the country is 39%,” said Manjhi in his response.

Citing initiatives taken to boost the share of women MSMEs, Manjhi highlighted the amended Public Procurement Policy in 2018 mandating CPSEs to procure at least 3% of their annual procurement from women entrepreneurs.

He further added, “To support Women Entrepreneurs under Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises, the following two provisions have been introduced for women entrepreneurs with effect from 01.12.2022: first, Guarantee coverage of up to 85% as against the 75% for others; and second, 10% concession in annual Guarantee fees.”

In June this year, the MSME Ministry had launched the Yashasvini initiative to campaign in Tier-II and III towns for women entrepreneurs and empower women by building their capacity.

Meanwhile, the share of women-owned units in more than 2.10 crore MSMEs as of August 1 last year was 19.43%. The registration count included UAP-registered enterprises.

The rise in women-owned MSMEs aligns with the broader goal of fostering diversity and inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As these initiatives continue to gain traction, it is hoped that the representation of women in the MSME sector will further increase, driving economic growth and fostering a more equitable business environment.