Against the backdrop of Government's efforts to continue endeavour for stepped up economic growth, Prime Minister's Task Force on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises held its first meeting in the capital today. The meeting was chaired by Shri T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.

After MSME Associations had apprised him of issues facing the sector, in August 2009, Prime Minister had set up a Task Force headed by Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, with Member Planning Commission, Finance Secretary, Secretary MSME, Secretary Labour, Deputy Governor RBI, CMD SIDBI, and Development Commissioner MSME, and five representatives of MSME Associations as Members.

MSME associations include Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Andhra Pradesh, Indian Industries Association, Federation of Tiny & Small Industries of India, Federation of Industries and Commerce of North Eastern Region, and Industrial and Financial Reconstruction Association for Small and Tiny Enterprises.

The composition of the Task Force addresses the core issues raised by MSME bodies, including stepping up credit, simplifying laws for conducting company affairs, skill upgradation, and infrastructure improvement.

The first meeting of the Task Force was held today, and it also invited Secretary, Corporate Affairs and Chairman SBI to the meeting. The Task Force reviewed the problems faced by the MSMEs across the spectrum in all areas of operation.

The Task Force has set up seven sub-groups in the areas of credit, marketing, labour relations, Insolvency and Exit Policy, taxation issues, infrastructure including technology/skill development and special issues of NE/J&K. These sub-groups will submit their recommendations in a month's time.

Prime Minister has directed that the Task Force will give its report within three months. The recommendations are expected to ameliorate the problems of the MSMEs and enhance their competitiveness and growth potential.