Tamil Nadu's MSME Sector: A Pillar of Economic Growth

Tamil Nadu accounts for a significant share of India's MSME sector, employing about 14 million people and contributing 30% to the state's industrial output. The state leads in women-run enterprises and has launched new initiatives to support micro entrepreneurs in key districts, further fostering economic growth.

Tamil Nadu holds a substantial 15% of India's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, providing employment to around 14 million individuals, according to the state's Industries Minister T R B Rajaa.

Highlighting the sector's impact, Rajaa noted that 30% of Tamil Nadu's industrial output is derived from MSMEs, particularly emphasizing the leadership of women-run units, which exceed 10 lakhs in number. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Tamil Nadu Micro Entrepreneurs Forum launch, with prominent figures like CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee and CII Southern Region Chairperson R Nandini in attendance, he reiterated the government's commitment to nurturing micro enterprises.

The initiative, Puthiya Payanam: Valarchiyai Noki, backed by TVS Mobility, aims to support 1,000 micro entrepreneurs across nine districts, including Chennai and Coimbatore. The Centre of Excellence on Employment and Livelihood's inaugural intervention in Tamil Nadu, supported by various state departments, marks a significant stride in bolstering livelihoods and employment.

(With inputs from agencies.)