In 1947 after gaining independence, India initiated a path of industrialization to achieve economic prosperity. India focused on developing the manufacturing base. Much of the countries development was done through the five year plans. Industries like iron and steel, oil refineries, cement and fertilizer were brought under the gamut of public sector enterprises. The decision makers then encouraged the development of small scale industries. They perceived that Indian small scale industries would play a vital role in the economic progress of the country and had immense potential for employment generation. Developing small scale sector would also result in decentralized industrial expansion, better distribution of wealth and to encourage investment and entrepreunial talent.
The government has initiated several policies for the growth and development of small scale industries. They included reservation of certain items to be manufactured only by the small scale sector. Other measures include credit marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship development, fiscal, financial and infrastructural support. In 1999, the government established the Ministry of Small Scale Industries and Agro and Rural industries to make policy decisions for the development and well being of the small scale industries.
Initially the small scale sector was characterized as traditional labor intensive units with outdated machineries and inefficient production techniques. But in the recent past the condition of the small scale units has improved. Today they have installed modern machines, applied better management techniques and are much more productive than before.
SSI-Location
Small Scale Industries are located throughout the country, though predominantly in the rural areas. The small scale industries in the rural areas are skill based, wherein the skill for manufacturing is passed on from one generation to another. Some of the goods manufactured in these units are textile handicrafts, woodcarving, stone carving, metal ware etc. Small scale industrial factories are also present in urban areas and usually they account for the maximum volume of production for that particular good in the country. For e.g. Ludhiana in the state of Punjab is the main center in the country for producing woolen hosiery, sewing machine parts, bicycles and its parts, similarly Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu accounts for small scale firms that are involved in spinning, weaving and dying of cotton garments.
Post Liberalization
Post liberalization economic conditions has created immense growth prospect for the small scale industries. The government has also supported the small scale industries by the way of implementing policies like investment ceiling for the SSI sector and priority lending. The formation of WTO in 1995 resulted in a major challenge to the well being of the SSI. The protection given to the SSI in the form of reservation and quantitative restrictions has been withdrawn. More than 160 items reserved under the SSI category have been de reserved. It has been found that if the SSI upgrades the technology, adopt better management practices, reengineer the factories to improve productivity and provide qualitative product, they would be competitive in the post WTO scenario. The advancement in computer and telecommunication technology, increase in e commerce, opening up of markets due to WTO, mergers and acquisitions, improved infrastructure and outsourcing noncore area of business have all contributed to the growth of SSi.
