Bengal Rises on Strength of Women Power in MSME

The State Leads India in Women-Led MSMEs, With a Whopping 62% Ownership, Way Above the National Average of 40%

- ANINDITA ACHARYA

Thinking of starting a small garment business in Bengal but don't know where to begin? West Bengal has made it easier than ever for budding entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality. The state's Silpa Sathi online portal is a one-stop platform to help anyone looking to start a new venture. But that's not all. There are other supportive schemes too, like Samadhan, Silper Samadhane, Banglashree and the West Bengal Bhabishyat Credit Card Scheme, which offers financial support to new entrepreneurs. In fact, under this credit card scheme alone, the Mamata Banerjee-led government has already disbursed Rs 426 crore to over 20,000 youths.

The MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector is a major pillar of the Indian economy, contributing about 30% to the country's GDP, 40% to total exports, and generating more than 110 million jobs nationwide. And West Bengal? It's right at the forefront. Bengal is home to nearly 90 lakh MSMEs—the second-highest in the country—and has over 93 lakh people engaged in this sector. What's even more inspiring is that more than 60% of these entrepreneurs are women. The state actually leads India in women-led MSMEs, with a whopping 62% ownership, way above the national average of 40%.