Small Scale Industries (SSI) - Definitions, Types, Objectives, Examples Eligibility & Registration
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Corporate
  • Private Banking
  • Privy League
  • NRI Services
  • Investors
  • Personal
  • Business
  • Corporate
  • Private Banking
  • Privy League
  • NRI Services
  • Investors

Small-scale Industries (SSI) operate on a modest scale, with an investment of up to ₹10 crore and an annual turnover below ₹50 crore. These industries, covering sectors like handicrafts and food products, are now part of the MSME framework, established under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. SSI registration under this framework offers various benefits and supports economic growth and job creation. This guide explores SSI definitions, types of small -scale industries, objectives, and registration processes.

What is Small-Scale Industries?

Small-Scale Industries (SSI) operate with limited resources, using smaller machinery and employing fewer workers. They adhere to guidelines set by the Government of India and play a vital role in the economy, especially in developing countries like India. These industries are labour-intensive and crucial for creating jobs, boosting local economies, and improving per capita income. SSIs focus on producing and providing services tailored to community needs while contributing significantly to economic and social development.

Objectives of Small-Scale Industries

The key objectives of small-scale industries are:

  • Create Jobs

Generate employment opportunities, tackling unemployment issues.

  • Develop Regions

Promote growth in rural and less developed areas, balancing regional disparities.

  • Utilise Resources

Optimally use untapped resources and improve local infrastructure.

  • Decentralised Economy

Reduce dependency on imports and lessen the pressure on urban centres.

  • Enhance Income Distribution

Improve living standards by ensuring a fair distribution of income and wealth.

  • Boost Innovation

Encourage adaptability and creativity by responding to market changes and adopting new technologies for cost-effective, high-quality production.

Features of Small-Scale Industries

Here are the key features of Small Scale Industries:

  • Modest Scale

Small-scale industries operate with limited capital and workforce, differentiating them from larger businesses with more extensive resources.

  • Local Focus

They primarily serve local markets, tailoring products and services to meet their community's specific needs and preferences.

  • Flexibility

These industries are adaptable and can swiftly respond to market trends and consumer demands due to their smaller size and simpler operations.

  • Labour-Intensive

Small-scale industries often depend more on manual labour and less on advanced automation, which affects their production methods and operational efficiency.

  • Government Support

They benefit from various government incentives, subsidies, and support programs designed to help them grow and thrive.

  • Community Engagement

They play an active role in their local communities, participating in local events and forming partnerships to support regional development.

Types of Small-Scale Industries (SSI)

Small-scale industries come in various forms, each serving different needs and sectors. Here are the key types:

  • Manufacturing Industries

These industries create finished goods or semi-finished products. Examples include food processing units, textile mills, and small electronics manufacturers.

  • Ancillary Industries

They supply parts and components for larger manufacturing processes. For instance, they produce spare parts for automobiles, machinery, and equipment.

  • Service Industries

Provide essential services rather than products, such as repair services, maintenance, and consultancy.

  • Retail Industries

Involve the sale of goods directly to consumers, including small shops, boutique stores, and online retail platforms.

  • Agro-Based Industries

Specialise in processing agricultural products, such as dairy, grains, and fruits, adding value to raw materials from farms.

Role of Small-Scale Industries in the Indian Economy

Small-scale industries (SSIs) play a key role in India’s economic and social fabric. Here’s how:

  • Economic Contribution

SSIs significantly impact the economy by producing a substantial portion of goods and services, driving overall economic growth.

  • Employment Generation

They are a major source of employment, especially in labour-intensive sectors, providing jobs in the informal sector.

  • Export Contribution

SSIs contribute to India’s export sector by producing goods that are sold internationally, boosting the country’s economic development.

  • Social Impact

These industries support social progress by offering opportunities to lower and middle-class entrepreneurs, aiding in wealth creation and job provision.

  • Income Distribution

They help in balancing income distribution and contributing to equitable economic and social advancement.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for Small Scale Industries ( SSI) registration?

Here are the key eligibility criteria for SSI registration:

1. Micro Enterprise: To qualify as a micro-enterprise, your investment in plant, machinery, and equipment should not exceed ₹1 crore. Additionally, the enterprise's annual turnover should be below ₹5 crore. These limits ensure that micro enterprises are small-scale operations with minimal investment and revenue.

2. Small Enterprise: To be classified as a small enterprise, the investment in plant, machinery, and equipment must be up to ₹10 crore. The annual turnover of such enterprises should not surpass ₹50 crore. This classification allows for a broader range of operations while maintaining a relatively modest scale compared to larger enterprises.

What is the Small Scale Industries (SSI) Registration Process?

To register your Small Scale Industry (SSI), follow these steps:

  • Visit the Udyam Registration Portal

Go to the Udyam Registration website and choose “For New Entrepreneurs who are not Registered as MSME or those with EM-II.”

  • Enter Aadhaar and Personal Details

Provide your Aadhaar Number and Name of the Entrepreneur. Click “Validate and Generate OTP.”

  • Verify PAN Details

After receiving an OTP on your mobile, enter it to verify your PAN details. Click “PAN Validate.”

  • Complete Registration Form

Fill in the details such as industry name, address, and bank account information. Click “Submit and Get Final OTP.”

  • Receive Registration Confirmation

You will receive a successful registration message with a reference number after submission. The MSME Registration Certificate will be issued upon verification.

What are the Benefits of SSI registration?

Here are the key benefits of SSI registration:

  • Access to various tax rebates, including extended Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) credits.
  • Eligibility for government tenders and contracts exclusive to SSI-registered businesses.
  • Easier access to credit with numerous loan schemes and collateral-free loans from banks and financial institutions.
  • Reduced costs for acquiring patents and setting up industries.
  • Higher priority for government licenses and certifications.
  • Benefits from various government schemes, such as CGTMSE, CLCSS, and marketing assistance programs.

Small-Scale Industry Examples

India is home to several profitable small-scale industries with high revenue potential, including:

- Toy manufacturing

- Paper production

- Jewellery crafting

- Bakeries

- Food manufacturing and processing

- Craft guilds

- Agarbatti (incense stick) production

- Pickles making

- Leather manufacturing and tanning

- Beauty products

- Firecrackers production

Small-scale industries include handmade cosmetics, khadi products, tissue production, candle making, and chocolate manufacturing. 

Prerequisites for Establishing SSI

An aspiring entrepreneur must be ready with the following prerequisites for establishing an SSI:

  • Products or Services: Depending on demand, one must decide whether to venture into product manufacturing or service delivery.
  • Establishment: Decide the establishment of the SSI, including a company, partnership, or sole proprietorship.
  • Location: Finalise the location, plot size, and exact site to start an SSI
  • Registration: An SSI must obtain company registration, partnership firm registration, or Shop & Establishment Act registration, as applicable.
  • SSI Registration: Apply for SSI or MSME registration to start operations.
  • Machinery and Equipment: Acquire the appropriate machinery and equipment to manufacture the intended products or provide services.
  • Water and Power Connection: Apply for adequate water and power connections and gain permission from the pollution board.
  • Workforce: Recruit workforce to start and run the business unit.
  • Raw Materials: Source raw materials to manufacture the products.
  • Marketing: Plan an efficient marketing strategy to gain customers.

Read Also: Shop Act License: Meaning, How to Get & Registration Process

Latest Comments

Leave a Comment

200 Characters


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the definition of Small-Scale Production?

To define small-scale industries, SSI is an industry that produces, manufactures or renders services on a micro or small-scale level.

What are the benefits of Small-Scale Industries?

Apart from giving business opportunities to young people in rural and semi-urban areas of the country, it also creates jobs, contributes to exports, and reduces imports to strengthen the economy.

What is one of the objectives of SSI?

Growing the economy with industrial contributions.

What is the meaning of small-scale business?

A small-scale business operates with capital, workforce and production capacity. It usually focuses on niche markets or local communities. Relies on resources for manageable growth.

What is a small and large-scale industry?

Small scale industries have investments. Operate with limited resources targeting local markets. On the other hand, large scale industries require capital, extensive resources and cater to a broader market audience by producing goods or services on a larger scale.

What are the advantages of small-scale industries?

Small-scale industries enjoy advantages such as setup and operational costs, flexible management practices and quick adaptability to market fluctuations. They also play a role in generating employment, opportunities promoting community development, and contributing to regional economic expansion through specialised offerings.

What is the future of small-scale industries in India?

The outlook for small-scale industries in India appears promising due to government backing, technological progressions and the expanding market opportunities. Amid the rise of digitalisation and advancements these sectors are poised for expansion leading to job creation and a notable impact on the nation's progress.

What are small-scale enterprises?

Small businesses are ventures with capital and assets that target markets or niches. They function on a scope compared to companies playing a crucial part, in nurturing entrepreneurship creating local jobs and bolstering economic growth.

Read Next
what-is-ipo-t

Initial Public Offering (IPO): IPO Full form, Meaning and How It Works

what-is-upi-and-upi-full-form-t

UPI Full Form: What Is UPI ID & its Features In Banking?

partnership-deed-t

What is Partnership Deed? Meaning, Importance & Required Document Format

Load More

Disclaimer: This Article is for information purposes only. The views expressed in this Article do not necessarily constitute the views of Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. (“Bank”) or its employees. The Bank makes no warranty of any kind with respect to the completeness or accuracy of the material and articles contained in this Article. The information contained in this Article is sourced from empaneled external experts for the benefit of the customers and it does not constitute legal advice from the Bank. The Bank, its directors, employees and the contributors shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or loss resulting from or arising due to reliance on or use of any information contained herein. Tax laws are subject to amendment from time to time. The above information is for general understanding and reference. This is not legal advice or tax advice, and users are advised to consult their tax advisors before making any decision or taking any action.