Shimla, June 27, 2025
The State of Himachal Pradesh marked the celebration of International MSME Day in various events across the State. The event organized by the Reserve Bank of India was graced by the presence of Sh. R.D. Nazeem, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries), who addressed a gathering of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the MSME ecosystem. In his address, the ACS highlighted the pivotal role of MSMEs in the economic development of Himachal Pradesh. With over 2 lakh MSMEs registered on the Udyam portal, employing 7.8 lakh people, the sector forms the backbone of the State’s industrial landscape, accounting for 99% of all industries. He expressed gratitude to MSMEs and stakeholders for their role in the State’s development and urged collective commitment to support and empower MSMEs for a resilient future.
In another MSME day event organized at the Directorate of Industries, Dr. Yunus, IAS, Director of Industries, addressed bankers, department officials and MSMEs, wherein he shared the strategic interventions currently underway to enhance the competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the State. He underscored the importance of these initiatives in fostering innovation, improving access to finance, markets, and strengthening institutional support mechanisms. He further highlighted the dedicated efforts of departmental officials working across various districts to ensure the effective dissemination and outreach of both State and Central government schemes to MSMEs, thereby promoting inclusive industrial growth and sustainable development.
The District Industries Centers (DICs) and Single Window Clearance Authorities (SWCAs) across the state also organized a series of awareness programs in their respective districts to commemorate International MSME Day. These initiatives aimed to sensitize local stakeholders about the significance of MSMEs in regional development and to promote greater awareness of the support mechanisms available under various State and Central government schemes.
Industrial Progress in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has seen a shift from agriculture dominated growth to more balanced contributions from manufacturing and services. As per the latest HP Economic Survey, the share of secondary sector which was 7.41 per cent in 1950-51 increased to 26.50 per cent in 1990-91and in FY2023-24 reached 39.98 per cent.
Exports have grown remarkably from ₹550 crore in 2003-04 to ₹19,185 crore in 2023–24.
Under the Himachal Pradesh Industrial Investment Policy (HPIP) 2019, MSMEs enjoy numerous benefits in form of incentives and subsidies such as tax waivers, interest subvention, and easy 8 equal annual interest free instalments for industrial plot.
The State’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business improved from 17th to 7th, supported by more than 180 online services and self-certification provisions.
The startup ecosystem is flourishing with 407 startups incubated and 107 commercialized, backed by 14 centers in institutions like IIT Mandi and IIM Sirmaur.
Under the RAMP program, ₹109 crore has been allocated to boost MSME performance through digitization, sustainability greening initiatives, rural pre-incubators, and market access via Vendor Development Programs and TReDS platforms.
Industrial Infrastructure support includes a Pharma Lab, MSME Technology Centre, Gas Pipeline connectivity, and Skill Development centres in Baddi and Una, Working Hostel for Men and Women
