An overview of structure of small scale enterprises in India

The spectrum of industries in India extends from the organized large and medium industries collectively called ‘Large and Medium Scale Industries Sector’ (L&MSI Sector), to the Modern Small Scale Industries and unorganized Traditional and Village Industries collectively called ‘Small Scale Industries Sector’ (SSI Sector). The latter constitutes an important segment of the economy, which provides maximum employment next only to agriculture and accounts for more than one-third of the total exports of the country. This study analyses the structure of SSEs in India. The findings of state-wise shares of unregistered SSEs reveals that Uttar Pradesh tops the list with 27.92 per cent, followed by Maharashtra (21.26 per cent), West Bengal (18.52 per cent), Gujarat (13.59 per cent), Karnataka (12.29 per cent), Bihar (12.11 per cent) and Andhra Pradesh (11.74 per cent) as at the end of March, 2003, with Sikkim, Goa, Meghalaya, Uttaranchal and Mizoram at the bottom with a share of less than one per cent each. While no significant changes could be observed, the share of unregistered SSEs had only increased by 2007 compared to the picture obtaining in 2003.