International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)

ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

Role Of Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (MSMES)

In Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
*
Toran Lal Verma, #Dr. D.K. Nema
*Research Scholar, #Professor, Department of Commerce, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya,
Sagar (M.P.), India.

Abstract - Micro, Small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) plays a catalytic role in the development of any economy.
MSMEs are considered as nurseries for entrepreneurship and innovation around the globe. India is no exception.
MSMEs in India are extensively dispersed across the country and produce around more than 6000 diverse range of
products and services. There are more than 63 million MSME units operating in different parts of India. These MSME
establishments employ around 11 crore people. Given the dynamic and flexible nature of MSMEs, they are considered
an essential sector in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by United Nations. MSMEs have a huge role
to play in achievement of SDGs, especially the goals of Poverty Alleviation (Goal 1), Decent Work and Economic
Growth (Goal 8) and Industry Innovation and Infrastructure (Goal 9). MSMEs contribution is not restricted to these
three goals, they also directly or indirectly help in achieving other goals. In this paper, an attempt has been made to
study the role of MSMEs in achieving the SDGs. We have categorized the role of MSMEs by different activity
attributes in the achievement of different goals. We have also outlined some suggestive measure which is helpful in
making MSMEs more sustainable, which in turn, would help achieve SDGs.

Keywords: MSMEs, Sustainable development, Poverty Alleviation, Industry Innovation, Economic Growth

I. INTRODUCTION
Although there are many definitions given by different organizations, commissions and individuals, the most popular definition
of sustainable development has been given by WECD (Also known as Brundtland Commission Report, 1987) which defines
Sustainable Development as “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs” (International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), n.d.) . Sustainable
development is a common concern for countries around the globe. But Bringing sustainable development into public policies
has always been a difficult task. (Sharma, 2009) .
The word „Sustainable Development‟ was first coined by Barbara Ward in „Cocoyoc Declaration‟ in 1974 and has been well
discussed in various international summits, conferences and reports like IUCN Report (1980,1990) and World Commission on
Environment and Development (WECD). The WECD report named „Our common future‟ became a landmark report and
reckoned sustainability as the only way to wipe out the danger on the survival of mankind. The idea was later, well discussed
in Earth Summit 1992 and The Norway Round Table in 1995. The Earth Summit, 1992 proposed two major documents
concerning sustainable development, namely, Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. Norway
Round Table also laid down principles to achieve sustainable development.
Major summits and agreement have raised concerns over Sustainable Development but failed to provide a comprehensive
approach at the global level. The member states of united nations had adopted the millennium development goals in 2000
which had a major aim to reduce poverty across the globe. This millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has been now
replaced by SDGs. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals contains 17 SDGs and 169 targets to be achieved
before 2030. These goals and targets are aimed at bringing peace and prosperity around the globe. All developed and
developing nations have to achieve those goals and targets through global partnership. The major focus is to end poverty by
2030, improve health and education, reducing inequalities, and achieving economic growth while tackling the problem of
climate change and preserving the oceans and forest. (Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG), n.d.)
The idea of sustainable development covers a range of aspects and includes environmental, economic and social aspects along
with taking care into account the ecological aspect. The social aspect includes respect of individuals, outreach programmes,
community development, equal opportunities, human rights etc. Whereas economic aspects mainly include consistent and
profitable growth, risk management, shareholders return etc. The environmental aspects include permit and license

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 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

compliances, bio-diversity management, air pollution, control on water chemical usage and discharges etc. apart from these,
there are many eco-economical, socio-economical, socio-environmental issues which form the part of sustainable
development. Sustainable development is aimed at creation society where people and nature live in harmony with each other
people grow economically but not at the cost of degradation of the environment.
Figure 1: Key Elements of Sustainable Development

Source: (Freimann, Ham, & Mijoc, 2014) (Verify Sustainability, n.d.)

Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are MSMEs are the tools which have enabled the success of the
considered as nurseries for entrepreneurship and policies like Make in India, Startup India-Stand up India
innovation. Indian MSMEs are extensively dispersed across etc. The progress of Industrial sector is noticeably affected
the country and produce around more than 6000 diverse by the growth and development of MSMEs. There are more
range of products and services to meet the needs of the than 63 million MSME units operating in different parts of
local and global market and thereby integrating into India. MSMEs account for 45% of industrial production
domestic and global value chains. MSMEs are at the core of and 30.5% of services sector. In Indian context, as per the
industrial activity in India. Although there is no universal Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and
definition of MSMEs. In India, Micro Small and Medium Statistics (DGCIS) data, the value of MSME related
Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006 has defined products is Rs. 147,390.08 million dollars and share of
MSMEs on the basis of investment in plant and machinery MSME related products in the country exports was 48.56%
for manufacturing industries and on the basis of investment during 2017-18 (PIB, 2018). These MSME establishments
in equipment in service industry. The categorization is as employ around 11 crore people. MSME sector has the
follows potential to improve as a mainstay for this economy and act
as an engine for growth provided that they get the required
Table 1: Classification of MSMEs as per the MSMED
support and facilitation
Act, 20006
Class/Category Manufacturing Service Industry II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Industry (Kamal-Chaoui, 2017) asserted that SDGs could only be
Micro Investment up to Investment up to Rs.10 achieved if the countries build strong SMEs. Discussing the
Enterprises Rs.25 lakh lakh importance of SME in innovation, employment generation,
Investment above Investment above
gender equality, inclusive development etc. the researcher
Small
Enterprises Rs.25 lakh and up to Rs.10 lakh and up to emphasized that policies are needed to create a good
Rs.5 crore Rs.2 crore business environment to make SMEs more productive. He
raised concerns over financing and participation of SMEs in
Medium Investment above Investment above Rs.2
Enterprises Rs.5 crore and up to crores and up to Rs. 5 global value chains, banking sector reforms and new
Rs.10 crore crore approaches to financing.

Source: (Ministry of MSME, 2017)

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 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

(Oncioiu, Raluka, Bilcan, & Petrescu, 2017) studied the V. ROLE OF MSMEs IN ACHIEVING
relationship between innovation, financial performance and SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
economic growth. They found that there exists a positive
relationship between innovation, financial performance and
GOALS
economic growth. They also pointed out that Indian SMEs MSMEs, with diverse operational capabilities, is considered
are focusing on the environmental dimension of sustainable an important pillar in achieving sustainable development
innovation and are implementing cleaner production goals. Given the impact MSMEs create at the global level,
methods to improve their economic and environmental the United Nations General Assembly has set aside June 27
performance. They also opined that innovation is the key to as International MSME day. The importance of MSMEs in
entrepreneurial success in India. achieving sustainable development is underscored by its
theme „MSMEs „Small Businesses, Big impact‟.
(Freimann, Ham, & Mijoc, 2014) studied thoroughly about
the measurement of objective well-being (economic MSMEs involved in specific sectors could help achieve
development) and Subjective Well-being (perception of many objectives under different goals. (BlueOrchard,
residents about the quality of life). They argued that n.d.)We have divided the contributions of MSMEs in the
monitoring and quantification of objective well-being are attainment of those goals under four types of activity
necessary for measuring sustainable development. They attributes namely, by providing employment, by operational
talked about various indicators for measuring sustainable efficiency, by performing Corporate Social Responsibility
developments and raised concerns over systematic (CSR) activities and by ethically and lawfully following
monitoring and measurement. They concluded that laws and bylaws. Each activity helps in the attainment of
benchmarks and indicators measure the efforts and results certain goals. However, a certain kind of activity attribute
related to sustainable development to some extent. could help in achievement of more than one goal, but we
have applied a simple approach and we have put one goal
(Liu) discussed the importance of MSMEs in achieving
under only one activity attribute.
SDGs while outlining the opportunities and challenges in
the path of MSMEs growth. The author also emphasized By employing people in their establishments MSMEs help
the role of MSMEs in employment generation but argues on directly in achieving of goals like Poverty Alleviation (Goal
the other hand that employment opportunities created by 1), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Decent Work and Economic
MSMEs may not always be as per job requirements. Growth (Goal 8) and Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
(Goal 9) and Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10). MSMEs
III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY contribute to the attainment of certain goals by their sector-
The study is based on secondary data and is descriptive in specific operational efficiency which includes Zero hunger
nature. Researchers have collected the data from reliable (goal 2), Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7),
and published secondary sources. These sources include Responsible Consumption and Production (Goal 12) and
Journals, Magazines, Reports, Websites and others. Partnership for Goals (Goal 17). MSMEs also contribute to
Majority of the information is taken from the United SDGs by performing Corporate Social Responsibility
Nations website (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org) (CSR) activities in various forms to the goals of Good
and Ministry of MSME website (http://msme.gov.in) of health and well-being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4),
Government of India. The statistical data from various clean water and sanitation (Goal 6) and building
reports have been mentioned inorder to emphasis the Sustainable cities and communities (Goal 11)
importance of the discussed issues. Researchers have
The MSMEs have crucial roles in attaining the targets of
categorized the roles of MSMEs under four types of activity
some goals by ethically and lawfully following laws and
attributes namely, by providing employment, by operational
bylaws, and using the resources of locality in a judicial
efficiency, by performing (Corporate Social Responsibility)
manner. Under this the major contributions are towards
CSR activities and by ethically and lawfully following laws
Climate Action (Goal 13), Life Below Water (Goal 14),
and bylaws.
Life on Land (Goal 15) and Peace Justice and Strong
IV. OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH Institutions (Goal 16).

1. To study the Concept of Sustainable Development. Table 2: Categorisation of different Goals on the basis
2. To study the role of Micro, Small and Medium of the Activity Attribute
Enterprises in achieving Sustainable Development SN. Contribution Goals in Which MSMEs would have
Goals formulated by the United Nations. towards considerable impact
Fulfillment of
SDGs

1. By Providing Poverty Alleviation (Goal 1), Gender

Employment Equality (Goal 5), Decent Work and
Economic Growth (Goal 8), Industry

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 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

Innovation and Infrastructure (Goal 9), worldwide (Division for Sustainable Development Goals
Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10) (DSDG), n.d.).
2. By Sector Zero hunger (goal 2), Industry Goal 4 Quality Education
Specific Innovation and Infrastructure (Goal 9),
Operational Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7), Education is not only about schooling. It about learning
Efficiency Responsible Consumption and new things and acquiring new skills at any age. MSMEs
Production (Goal 12), Partnership for educate rural youths by imparting skills in them. Everyone
Goals( Goal 17) who is employed in a microenterprise has to learn and
3. By CSR Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), acquires new skills for efficient working. Nowadays,
activities Quality Education (Goal 4), Clean employee training programmes under the aegis of skill
Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), India is training workers to improve their craft. Also, as a
Sustainable Cities and Communities part of their social responsibility obligations, MSMEs are
(Goal 11) helping to open schools in rural and backward areas.
4. By ethically Climate Action (Goal 13), Life Below Goal 5 Gender Equality
and lawfully Water (Goal 14), Life on Land (Goal
following laws 15), Peace Justice and Strong MSMEs could also assist in promoting gender equality and
and bylaws Institutions (Goal 16) women‟s empowerment by providing entrepreneurship
opportunities to women‟s (Kamal-Chaoui, 2017). In India,
Source: Researchers own classification
a huge number of microenterprises are led by women.
Poverty Alleviation (Goal 1) According to MSME Annual report, around 123 lakh
proprietary enterprises are owned by female entrepreneurs.
As indicated by the World Bank, in excess of 650 million
Women have become dependent and are successful in their
individuals live in destitution throughout the world, which
entrepreneurial endeavours. Also, various training
is 11% of the total population. Over 80% of individuals in
programmes have trained them in their skills and have
South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa live below the poverty
made them at par with men in terms of employability.
line. This problem of poverty has remained the greatest
challenge in the world. Although India is considered one of Goal 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
the fastest growing economy, it accounts for 20.6 per cent
The goal is to make sure the availability of water,
of the world‟s poor. MSMEs by employing the poor and
sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
jobless ensure that they earn money to survive. This helps
MSMEs Working in the locality could help to a great extent
in assuring their minimum survival needs. MSMEs in India
in dealing with the water and sanitation related activities.
employs over 60 million people in around 11 lakh
They could provide water to the locals from their plant as
establishment all over India. With an increased number of
they usually have a rich source of water for their operations.
sustainable MSMEs, more employment opportunities could
MSMEs Could help improve water quality by reducing
be created.
contamination, wiping out dumping activities and limiting
Goal 2 Zero Hunger the release of dangerous residue materials. Also, they could
support and strengthen the participation of local
MSMEs make up the majority of agricultural and food
communities in improving water efficiency, water
producers and ensure a sustainable food production system.
management and sanitation management in the locality. On
Agro-based MSMEs have a major role in creating and
the same lines, as a part of their CSR obligations, they
maintaining a sustainable food supply (BlueOrchard
could help conserve and restore water by making ponds and
Academy, 2017). The government initiatives such as Kisan
dams.
Sampada Yojana entails in itself great opportunities for
food production and processing at low cost by MSMEs. Goal 7 Affordable and clean energy
Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being MSMEs with their innovative methods have been able to
lower the cost of operations and have contributed to energy
Health issues like maternity mortality, child mortality, etc.
efficiency. The government is promoting MSMEs in the
are still not well addressed in rural landscapes. MSMEs as
area of affordable energy. MSME ministry has issued
part of their CSR programmes could help organize
guidelines and inviting projects on setting up of production
awareness campaigns, healthcare facilities, arrange
units based on LED-based lighting systems, automatic
ambulance facilities, free medical checkups, etc. in the rural
voltage stabilizers, electric solar cooler, electric
areas. To ensure good health around society, MSMEs have
transmission line hardware, distribution transformers, solar
to be careful about the disposal of waste from their
panels etc. Thousands of MSMEs are getting certification
establishment. They must ensure that they do not pollute
from the ministry and are working in the field of producing
their surrounding localities which ultimately leads to many
energy efficient products. This will ultimately help the
disease problems in the locality. In 2016 only, household
portion of renewable energy in the total energy mix. India‟s
and outdoor air pollution led to some 7 million deaths

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 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) is a great MSMEs accounts for 45 per cent of the total export from
example of providing affordable energy. In such an the country and 40 per cent of the total manufacturing
initiative, MSMEs are playing an important role. output in the country, thereby, helping the country to grow
at a brisk pace and improving the Financial Soundness
Goal 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
Indicator (FSI) of the nation while competing with most of
The target is to provide full and productive employment to the developing and developed countries. MSMEs have not
all. Although the number of unemployed people has only contributed to increase the earnings of workers and
reduced significantly over the years, people in many entrepreneurs but also to the nation at large.
developing countries like India are still unemployed in
Goal 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
large number. The role of the MSME sector in employment
generation in India is indisputable. The sector is the second The goal is to make the human habitat safe, resilient and
largest employment provider after agriculture. It employs sustainable. Most of the MSMEs operate near the
over 110 million people in nearly 60 million establishments residential establishments in cities as well as villages. They
(Ministry of MSME, 2018), thereby providing employment affect human lives around them in one way or the other.
and decent work opportunities to a large number of people. When industries are set up in the far reach areas, they
The sector helps in increasing labour productivity and themselves ensure a well-developed infrastructure. So, they
decreasing the unemployment rate. This, in turn, helps build roads, ensures water availability and take electricity to
reduce the quantum of migration of rural poor. The sector far reach areas with them. As a result, those areas get a
has been able to generate and provide employment to a good transportation infrastructure, water supply and
large population in the period of global recession and electricity supply. While promoting industrialization, they
economic slowdown (Development Alternatives, 2018). It are also helping in urbanization. MSMEs can help cities
is estimated that India will need 15 million new jobs per become more inclusive through projects like urban
year for the next 15 years. (Bhattacharya & Bijapurkar, regeneration project that lay emphasis on SME
2017) (Development Alternatives, 2018). This much development ( (Kamal-Chaoui, 2017). MSMEs with their
amount of job creation is unimaginable without the diverse range of operations are helping in making
contribution of MSMEs. sustainable cities and communities in different ways.
MSMEs engaged in waste recycling and solid waste
Goal 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
management are some good examples in this regard.
The aim is to Build a strong infrastructure, encourage
Goal 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
inclusive and sustainable industrialization and nurture
innovation. MSMEs have a big part in industrialization Resources are scares but human wants are unlimited. The
progress of India and have helped in raising the industries pace of growth in human population calls for careful use of
share in employment, export and Gross Domestic Product available resources. Sustainable consumption and
(GDP). The rise in the number of manufacturing units is production are all about the use of resources for the
showing good signs for the economy in the current satisfaction of human needs with minimum wastage. It
scenario. Due to lack of resources, MSME entrepreneurs implies the development of efficient technologies, increased
continue to find new ways of doing complicated things in use of renewable resources, lessening of toxic residue
simple ways, which ultimately leads to low-cost outflow etc. MSMEs are more flexible than large
innovations. This is why MSMEs are considered as enterprises and could adopt sustainable consumption
innovation hubs. As economist William Baumol has processes and production patterns. The various processes
asserted that new and small firms have been the major used in production must be made efficient to reduce
source of disruptive innovation in last decade's because new wastages. MSMEs could implement Lean manufacturing
and small firms work outside prevailing paradigms and systems while following various pollution control standards
without strong links to current products and technologies(
Goal 13 Climate Action
(Kamal-Chaoui, 2017). The MSME entrepreneurs are
helpful in making good infrastructures in the area where Issues like global warming and ozone layer depletion have
they exist. As a part of social responsibility, they are also put a major threat to the lives of humans on the planet.
engaged in making schools, roads, hospitals etc. India has to contribute to minimizing the air pollution,
global warming and ozone layer depletion through
Goal 10 Reduce inequality
Intentionally Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC).
MSMEs have been contributing to reducing income If India has to fulfil its INDC commitments then it is
inequalities within and among countries. By providing important to control environmental degradation and
employment to local folks, these MSMEs increases their ecological imbalances in the country, which is mostly a
income level, improve their standard of living and make result of industrial activities. MSMEs have to adopt Green
them self-dependent. MSMEs also have a major share in Manufacturing initiatives and have to be environmentally
export and manufacturing output of the country. The conscious in using resources. Some MSMEs are using solid

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 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

waste management as business opportunities and using their own operations, we cannot expect them to contribute
them as marketable opportunities. in terms of sustainable development. To take maximum out
of MSMEs towards sustainable development, it is essential
Goal 14 Life Below Water
to address their problems and promote them to improve
It is related to Conservation and sustainable use the oceans, their sustainability.
seas and marine resources. Use of water resources and their
Major problems that MSMEs face and how we could
disposal is a matter of concern for not only large but Micro,
address them to ensure their sustainability
Small and Medium Enterprises. Units established near the
coastal areas and river banks must adhere to the Air quality 1. Access to finance: lack of credit facilities at
law, Water quality law, Waste management law, different stages inhibits the growth of MSMEs.
Environmental cleanup law etc. they must not indulge in The government should ensure the availability of
the practice of dumping of wastes in water bodies. finance through various schemes and policy
interventions.
Goal 15 Life on Land
2. Lack of supportive government policies: Lack
It is associated with Protection, restoration and promotion of supportive government policies and regulatory
of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable frameworks also hampers the entrepreneurial
management of forests, combating desertification, and spirit of talented young entrepreneurs. The
halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity government must formulate a coherent and
loss. The MSMEs located in rural areas near forests are supportive environment for a startup ecosystem
exploiting most of the forest resources. It becomes their and new business ideas.
responsibility to protect the wildlife in them. It is their duty 3. Insufficient skill manpower: Majority of the
not to disturb the forest ecosystem. Tree plantation micro and small units do not have skilled
activities must be promoted by them in return for the manpower, which negatively affects their
resource they use. They must also ensure that their performance. The government, through
operation does not harm the vegetation and do not result in vocational training programmes, should try to
land degradation. If the MSMEs operate in agro-business, offer skill development and capacity building
then they must promote sustainable agricultural business programmes to small entrepreneurs and workers
practices. employed in their establishments.
4. Basic infrastructure: Most of the MSMEs in
Goal 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
India lack basic infrastructure in the form of
It involves building accountable institutions at every level. machinery, building, technological support etc. to
MSMEs do employ a large share of human capital. They effectively run their operations. This
must follow the labour laws of the country and comply with infrastructural problem must be addressed
their norms. MSMEs should not indulge in child labour properly.
employment. Also, the treatment of female employees must 5. Encouraging entrepreneurship: To combat
be fair and their exploitation must be stopped. The laws poverty, gender inequality and income inequality
administering the workers must be adhered to and labour around the globe, rural youths and women
must not be disassociated with their rights. entrepreneurs could be used as a strong weapon.
Goal 17 Partnership for the Goals. Unfortunately, rural youths are and women are
discouraged by their communities and are not
To implement all the policies leading towards sustainable allowed to take entrepreneurial endeavours. This
development, institutions within the country must partner mindset has to be changed. Encouraging
with each other. Partnership in the private and public sector entrepreneurship in this small segment of the
must be to achieve self-sufficiency. Also, many of the economy could really bring fruitful results.
informal enterprises' partners with formal enterprises to 6. Bringing informal units into the formal sector:
create value. This partnership is essential given the fact that Efforts must be made to bring informal MSMEs
they together create a better value chain. It could be to the formal ecosystem, that would help to keep
possible that governments could provide better exposure to track of their progress, performances,
the MSMEs of our country to the MSMEs of another contributions and needs. MUDRA Bank and
country so that they could learn innovative methods of Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms are
operations from one another. important policy initiatives in this regard.
VI. MAKING MSMES MORE SUSTAINABLE
VII. FINDINGS
MSMEs, especially in a developing country like India,
In this research paper, we found that MSMEs possess
faces a number of challenges which limit their operational
immense potential in the achievement of all sustainable
efficiency. If MSMEs themselves are not able to manage
development. Directly or indirectly, MSMEs have a huge

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 International Journal for Research in Engineering Application & Management (IJREAM)
ISSN : 2454-9150 Vol-04, Issue-12, Mar 2019

impact on the progress of sustainable development goals. subsidiary organizations like District Industrial
We also found that micro enterprises themselves suffer to Centers, training centres etc.
operate to their fullest abilities due to many problems. To
ensure maximum participation and contribution from
IX. CONCLUSION
MSMEs in the achievement of sustainable development SDGs are ambitious goals directed towards a better future
goals, it is necessary that this sector is promoted and for planet and people. However, achieving them within a
supported well. span of fifteen years is not an easy task. Various nations
including India through various commitments are working
VIII. SUGGESTIONS
towards these goals. There are many dimensions to
Based on the research paper, we have some suggestions sustainable development which could be achieved through
which would help in making MSMEs more sustainable, contributions of organisations and individuals in different
which, in turn, would help in the achievement of the SDGs forms. MSME sector is one of the sectors which carry a
huge potential to affect the progress of most of these goals.
1. A policy approach could be designed by the Ministry
The diversity and flexibility in operational capabilities of
of MSMEs for at least small and medium enterprises
MSMEs make them an important player in this endeavour.
to act towards sustainable development goals. On
If MSMEs thrive in the upcoming years, it will certainly
field support and visits by officials would also be
help in generating more employment, reducing poverty,
helpful in this regard.
reducing regional imbalance, promoting equality etc. and
2. The government must direct MSMEs for organizing
thereby making a substantial contribution in achieving the
awareness campaigns about various issues like
SDGs. It is needed that problems of MSME are addressed
entrepreneurship development, women
diligently through appropriate government interventions
empowerment, financial literacies etc. and should
and entrepreneurial abilities are nourished well in this
provide incentives to them. Awareness programmes
competitive era.
should also be organized for MSME entrepreneurs
regarding pollution control techniques, pollution
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582 | IJREAMV04I1248170 DOI : 10.18231/2454-9150.2019.0189 © 2019, IJREAM All Rights Reserved.