Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

The Prime Minister had announced setting up of the Task Force in August, 2009 when representatives of prominent MSME associations had met him to highlight their issues and concerns. Accordingly, the Task Force under Shri T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister was constituted on 2nd September, 2009 to reflect on the issues raised by the associations and formulate an agenda for action after discussions with all stakeholders. Its members included Member, Planning Commission, Secretaries of concerned Government Departments, Deputy Governor, RBI, Chairman and Managing Director, SIDBI and representatives of MSME associations.

 

The report provided a roadmap for the development and promotion of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It recommended an agenda for immediate action to provide relief and incentives to the MSMEs, especially in the aftermath of the recent economic slowdown, accompanied by institutional changes and detailing of programmes, to be achieved in a time bound manner. In addition, it suggested setting up of appropriate legal and regulatory structures to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises in the country.

 

Subsequently, the Prime Minister’s Council on MSMEs was formed on 7th April, 2010 to lay down broad policy guidelines and review the development of the MSME sector.  The Council shall meet once a year.

 

A steering group has also been put into place comprising of Secretaries to the Ministries of MSME, Finance, Labour etc. This steering group has already met in April and reviewed the progress of implementation of the recommendations of the Task Force.