Karnataka govt should formulate separate policy for MSMEs

Mangaluru: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute 29 per cent to the growth of India’s GDP. There is growing pressure on the state government to formulate a separate policy to distinguish between micro, small, medium and large enterprises, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) President M G Balakrishna stressed.

He was addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the second international conference, MSME Tech Summit 2024, organised by All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) and Karnataka State Printers' Association in collaboration with the Union Ministry of MSME at Hotel Ocean Pearl. The theme of the event was `strengthening Printing and Packaging Industries through MSMEs and Exploring New Opportunities.'

After agriculture, MSME sector is the largest employment generator in the country. If a separate policy is framed, it would bring significant benefits, including the effective implementation of labour laws,” Balakrishna said. He highlighted the substantial contribution of MSMEs to the economy and noted the bright future of printing and packaging industries in the digital era. Technologies like artificial intelligence-based design and eco-friendly raw materials are revolutionising the packaging sector, while smart packaging is opening up new opportunities. He added that this is an opportune time to strengthen printing and packaging industries through MSME initiatives.

MSME Welfare and Cluster Formation President Ravindra Reddy elaborated on the advancements in the printing sector. He emphasised technology upgrades, adoption of new methods, increased production, entrepreneurship training, marketing, and support for starting micro-enterprises as key aspects of various programmes in the MSME sector.

The rapidly evolving technology landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for the packaging industry. Following the ban on single-use plastics, there is a growing need to explore eco-friendly packaging options and raise awareness about sustainable usage among consumers, Reddy stressed.

All India Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) President Satish Malhotra said; “MSMEs achieve technological advancement, they gain the ability to compete in both national and international markets. Currently, 99 per cent of printing businesses fall under the MSME category. From the era of typesetting and offset printing to the present age of digital technology, the printing industry has undergone significant transformation."