Introduction
In the quest for entrepreneurial success, every business owner seeks opportunities to enhance their company’s growth and secure various benefits. With the Indian government’s focus on promoting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Udyam Registration scheme has emerged as a game-changer.
The Indian Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to support MSMEs through various initiatives. The Udyam Registration Portal has formalized over 2.39 crore informal micro-enterprises, providing them access to priority sector lending. Additionally, the revamped Credit Guarantee Scheme has enhanced credit access with a ₹9,000 crore corpus, while TReDS ensures timely payments for MSME suppliers. The Self-Reliant India Fund further empowers MSMEs with equity funding to scale their businesses, driving growth and enhancing their role in India’s economic development.
What is Udyam Registration?
Udyam Registration is an online certification process introduced by the Indian government to promote and support MSMEs. It replaced the previous registration process known as Udyog Aadhaar. This simplified and streamlined registration scheme aims to provide various benefits and incentives to eligible businesses.
The Udyam Registration Certificate serves as proof of a business’s classification as an MSME. It enables enterprises to access various government schemes, subsidies, and credit facilities tailored to their needs. Whether you’re a small-scale manufacturer, service provider, or trader, obtaining Udyam Registration can significantly enhance your business prospects.
Obtaining Udyam Registration brings a multitude of advantages to MSMEs, empowering them to thrive in a competitive market. Let’s take a closer look at the key benefits:
Access to Government Schemes and Incentives:
- Udyam Registration enables businesses to participate in various government schemes like Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme, Performance and Credit Rating Scheme, and more.
- MSMEs can enjoy subsidies, tax benefits, and financial assistance provided under schemes such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the Technology and Quality Upgradation Support to MSMEs.
Ease of Obtaining Bank Loans:
- With Udyam Registration, businesses gain easier access to credit and collateral-free loans.
- The government has introduced a dedicated portal to facilitate loan disbursement and faster processing for registered MSMEs.
Protection against Delayed Payments:
- Udyam Registration equips enterprises with the power to seek relief through the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) in cases of delayed payments from buyers.
- This provides added security and ensures the timely flow of funds for MSMEs.
Enhanced Market Opportunities:
- Udyam Registration opens doors to participate in government tenders and procurements, giving MSMEs the chance to expand their customer base.
- Businesses can access exclusive exhibitions, trade fairs, and vendor development programs, providing exposure to potential buyers and collaborators.
The Udyam Registration scheme is open to a wide range of businesses falling under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise categories. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria based on investment and turnover:
Micro Enterprises:
- For manufacturing enterprises, the investment in plant and machinery should not exceed INR 1 crore.
- For service-based enterprises, the investment in equipment should not exceed INR 50 lakhs.
Small Enterprises:
- Manufacturing enterprises should have an investment between INR 1 crore and INR 10 crores in plant and machinery.
- Service-based enterprises should have an investment between INR 50 lakhs and INR 2 crores in equipment.
Medium Enterprises:
- Manufacturing enterprises should have
an investment between INR 10 crores and INR 50 crores in plant and machinery.
- Service-based enterprises should have an investment between INR 2 crores and INR 5 crores in equipment.
It’s important to note that the turnover of the business is also considered while determining the eligibility for Udyam Registration. The revised MSME definition under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package includes the turnover criteria. For micro enterprises, the turnover should not exceed INR 5 crores. For small enterprises, the turnover should not exceed INR 50 crores, and for medium enterprises, the turnover should not exceed INR 250 crores.
If your business falls within these investment and turnover limits, you are eligible to apply for Udyam Registration and unlock the benefits that come with it.
- Manufacturing enterprises should have
Revised MSME Definition – The Atmanirbhar Bharat Package
After 14 years since the MSME Development Act, a revision in the MSME definition was announced in the Atmnirbhar Bharat package on 13.05.2020 to bring more units under the purview of the schemes announced. According to this package, the composite criteria for the definition of MSME are investment and turnover; the limit has been revised upwards. The distinction between the service and the manufacturing sector has also been eliminated.
When to apply for Udyam Registration?
If your business meets the eligibility criteria, it’s crucial to understand when to apply for Udyam Registration. The registration process is simple and can be done online through the Udyam Registration Portal. It’s recommended to apply for Udyam Registration as soon as your business meets the eligibility criteria to ensure you can access the benefits at the earliest.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the Udyam Registration Certificate is valid for a lifetime. However, it requires periodic updating and renewal of information.
Documents Required for Udyam Registration Online
To complete the Udyam Registration process smoothly, you need to gather the necessary documents. Here’s a list of the documents typically required:
Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar number of the business owner or the authorized signatory is essential for Udyam Registration.
PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the business or the authorized signatory is required for registration.
Business Details: You need to provide information about the name of the business, its address, and other contact details.
Bank Account Details: Furnish the bank account details, including the account number and IFSC code, to link it with your Udyam Registration.
NIC Code: The National Industrial Classification (NIC) Code that represents your business activity needs to be mentioned during the registration process.
Investment and Turnover Details: Provide the investment in plant and machinery or equipment, as well as the turnover of your business, as per the eligibility criteria.
Ensure that you have these documents ready before starting the Udyam Registration process to avoid any delays or complications.
Udyam Registration of New Enterprise – Udyam Registration Portal
The Udyam Registration process for new enterprises is now carried out through the Udyam Registration Portal, an online platform established by the government. The new enterprise is required to follow the below steps to register on Udyam Registration Portal:
Here are the steps involved in the Udyam Registration process:
- Visit the Udyam Registration Portal: Access the official Udyam Registration Portal through a web browser.
- Fill in the Details: Enter the required information about your business, including personal details, business details, investment, and turnover.
- Upload Documents: Upload the necessary documents, such as the Aadhaar card, PAN card, business address proof, and bank account details.
Verification and Submission: Review the information provided and ensure its accuracy. Once verified, submit the application for Udyam Registration.
Generation of Udyam Registration Certificate: After successful submission, the system will generate your Udyam Registration Certificate. This certificate serves as proof of your MSME classification.
Download and Print Certificate: Download and print the Udyam Registration Certificate for your records. It is advisable to keep a digital and physical copy for future reference.
- Remember, the Udyam Registration process is entirely online, making it convenient and accessible for businesses across India.
Economic Survey 2024-25 on MSME and Udyam Registration
The MSME sector plays a vital role in India’s economic growth, second only to agriculture, employing 23.24 crore people as of November 2024. To simplify registration and improve ease of doing business, the government launched the Udyam Registration Portal in July 2020. In 2023, the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) formalized over 2.39 crore informal micro enterprises, making them eligible for priority sector lending.
The government revamped the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) with a ₹9,000 crore corpus, enhancing credit availability. The credit limit under the scheme was raised from ₹2 crore to ₹5 crore, and annual guarantee fees were reduced by 50%. In FY23, 11.65 lakh guarantees amounting to ₹1 lakh crore were provided.
TReDS, an online marketplace regulated by the RBI, facilitates timely payments to MSME suppliers. It supports post-shipment financing based on the buyer’s creditworthiness and enables competitive financing rates through an auction-based system. States like Goa and Tamil Nadu have adopted TReDS, benefiting MSMEs by ensuring timely payments and improved liquidity.
The government also launched the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund with ₹50,000 crore to provide equity funding to MSMEs with scaling potential. Measures like MSME Samadhan and the CHAMPIONS portal address challenges faced by MSMEs. To tackle delayed payments, the MSME SAMADHAAN portal allows MSMEs to file complaints and track pending payments, with over 2.2 lakh applications filed since its launch.
The MSE-CDP initiative develops MSME clusters, improving productivity and turnover by 10-30% through Common Facility Centres (CFCs) that address shared issues like technology and skill improvement
FAQs about Udyam Registration
Q: Is Udyam Registration mandatory for all MSMEs?
A: Udyam Registration is not mandatory for all MSMEs. However, it is highly recommended as it provides various benefits and opens up opportunities for growth and support.
Q: Can an existing MSME switch to Udyam Registration?
A: Yes, existing MSMEs that were previously registered under Udyog Aadhaar can switch to Udyam Registration by following the necessary steps on the Udyam Registration Portal.
A: No, the process of Udyam Registration is free of charge. However, it is advisable to be cautious of any fraudulent websites or agents that may claim fees for registration.
Q: Can I make changes to my Udyam Registration details?
A: Yes, you can update or make changes to your Udyam Registration details. The Udyam Registration Portal allows for the modification of information as required.
Q: What happens if my business exceeds the turnover limit for the registered category?
A: Once your business exceeds the turnover limit for its registered category, you must upgrade your registration to the appropriate category within a specified timeframe.
Conclusion
Udyam Registration is a game-changing initiative by the Indian government to empower and support MSMEs. By obtaining the Udyam Registration Certificate, businesses can unlock a world of benefits, including access to government schemes, financial assistance, protection against delayed payments, and enhanced market opportunities.
The revised MSME definition under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package has widened the scope of businesses eligible for Udyam Registration, making it more inclusive and supportive of entrepreneurial growth.
Applying for Udyam Registration is a straightforward online process through the Udyam Registration Portal. By gathering the required documents and following the registration steps, businesses can obtain their Udyam Registration Certificate and set themselves on a path to success.
So, seize the opportunity, embrace Udyam Registration, and unleash the potential of your business in the vibrant landscape of MSMEs in India!