Chapter 7:Fostering MSMEs and Artisans

Introduction

• Small businesses have a critical role in fostering equitable development and economic prosperity.
• The MSMEs in J&K are engaged in a wide range of service and manufacturing operations. Worldwide, Kashmir is renowned for its handicrafts. The most sought-after items from this region are its carpets, silks, shawls, basketry, ceramics, copper and jewellery, papier-mâché, and walnut wood.

Current status of MSMEs

• Most MSMEs in J&K are employed in the following industries:

• Manufacturing includes the following industries: food processing, steel fabrication, water packaging, cardboard production, furniture production, handicrafts & handlooms based units, and cricket bat production.
• Services include CA Shops, the hospitality sector, the travel and tourism business, and tourism-related services.
• The Ministry of MSME's Micro & Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Plan (MSE-CDP) Initiative has been used to create the valley's major industrial estates.
• Furthermore operating in J&K are SFURTI (Scheme of Financing for Regeneration of Traditional Industries) clusters.
• The UT's micro and village industries sector is being established and supported by the J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB).

Application of MSMEs Program

• The goal of the MSE-Cluster Development Plan is to increase technological skills, quality, and market access, among other things, through infrastructural facilities in new or current MSE clusters in addition to sustainable technology for the clusters.

• Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program: To encourage young people from various societal groups, such as SC/ST/women, physically challenged individuals, former service members, and people living below the poverty line (BPL), to think about self-employment or entrepreneurship as a possible career path.
• The purpose of the BPMS—Procurement and Marketing Support Scheme is to increase the marketability of goods and services.
• ZED Certification Program for MSME Sustainability: To promote and empower MSMEs to produce high-quality goods utilising the most recent technology and tools with the least possible impact on the environment, the Scheme envisions promoting Zero Defect and Zero Effect (ZED) manufacturing among MSME and ZED assessment for their certification.
• The Prime Minister of India announced the establishment of the National SC-ST Hub in Leh (Ladakh) in 2016. It is a project of the Ministry of MSME. The Plan intends to increase SC/ST entrepreneurs' capacity and foster "entrepreneurship culture" among the SC/ST community.

In conclusion

rapid development in this strategically located region with distinct traits requires an integrated strategy. The growth of potential industries including horticulture, handicrafts, biotechnology, tourism, and information technology would be closely related to the other industries.