President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, addressed the nation on the occasion of MSME Day 2025, emphasizing the critical role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in driving sustainable economic growth and empowering grassroots innovation.

Speaking at a formal gathering in New Delhi, the President highlighted that MSMEs form the economic backbone of India, contributing significantly to GDP, employment generation, and local development. She underlined that a strong MSME ecosystem is essential for balanced economic progress, especially in rural and backward regions.

“MSMEs not only stimulate economic activity but also decentralize growth and empower weaker sections of society,” said President Murmu. She praised the sector’s ability to generate employment with lower capital input and acknowledged its rising contribution to inclusive development.

Challenges and Government Reforms

While appreciating the sector’s progress, President Murmu also pointed out key challenges that hinder MSME growth:

Limited access to finance

Outdated technology

Competition from large corporations

Delayed payments

Scarcity of skilled labor and raw materials

To address these issues, the Government of India has implemented major policy reforms such as:

Revised classification norms for MSMEs

Enhanced credit support

Mandatory 35% procurement by central ministries from micro and small units

Artisan upskilling through the PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Launch of the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal for tackling delayed payments

The President expressed optimism about the growing number of registered MSMEs, driven by digital reforms and government incentives.

Grassroots Innovation and Green Technology
President Murmu urged MSMEs to focus on innovation using local resources, which she believes is vital for long-term sustainability. She also emphasized the need for the sector to adopt green technologies, aligning with India’s climate goals. “Promoting eco-friendly business practices will enhance the competitiveness of our MSMEs globally,” she noted.

Women Entrepreneurship and Future Outlook
A noteworthy highlight of the President’s speech was her appreciation for the increasing participation of women in the MSME landscape. She encouraged more women to become entrepreneurs and lead the charge toward a self-reliant India.

As the MSME sector continues to expand under the umbrella of Digital India, and through initiatives led by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India’s vision of inclusive, tech-enabled economic empowerment moves closer to reality.