Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has exhorted the Micro, Small and Medium Enterpises (MSMEs) to align with the market demands for growth.
He also emphasised the need for their sustained upskilling and modernisation in UP, which has India’s largest MSME base of more than 9.6 million units.
The CM stressed the importance of adopting a robust strategy to build the capacity of youth engaged in this sector.
He directed that aspiring entrepreneurs under the ‘CM-YUVA’ scheme must undergo comprehensive and high-quality training before being granted loans.
Yesterday, while reviewing the functioning of the MSME department, Yogi issued key directives aimed at the holistic development of the sector, expansion of entrepreneurship, job creation and boosting exports.
He highlighted that MSMEs bolster grassroots economic activities and serve as anchor units for large-scale industries.
The MSME sector contributes approximately 46% to UP’s total exports and generates direct and indirect employment for over 16.5 million people.
Yogi called for strengthening the sector strategically to fulfill the vision of ‘Vocal for Local,’ ‘Local to Global,’ and ‘Brand UP’.
Terming the current scenario conducive for gaining global recognition for UP’s traditional craftsmanship, agro-based products and innovation-led enterprises, he instructed that all state schemes prioritised economic empowerment of youth, women, entrepreneurs and rural communities.
Under self-employment initiatives, it was reported that in the previous financial year 2023-24, more than 321,000 youth registered under the ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan’ (M YUVA), and more than 56,000 applications were received.
He directed for timely loan disbursement in line with the annual target of reaching out to 100,000 beneficiaries.
Highlighting innovative infra models for MSMEs, the CM praised the flattened factory complex as an effective approach to facilitate multi-unit industrial operations in limited urban spaces.
Citing Kanpur as a successful example, he recommended replicating the model in other cities and involving the private sector as an active partner.
Discussing the progress of the flagship One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, Yogi underlined its pivotal role in reviving traditional crafts and small-scale industries across the state.
Since 2018, margin money of Rs 635 crore has been disbursed, alongside extensive support in training, marketing, design and technical assistance.
He directed officials to enhance global branding, packaging, and design of ODOP products to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.
It was also reported that UP leads the nation with 77 products receiving Geographical Indication (GI) tags, while GI registration is underway for an additional 25 products.
A target has been set to secure GI tags for 75 more products in the current financial year 2025-26.
To boost awareness and marketability of GI-tagged items, he instructed that relevant entrepreneurs be registered as GI Authorised Users, helping preserve product authenticity and promoting effective branding.