"India SME Forum Launches 'Digishaastra For MSMEs': Securing The Future Of Micro Enterprises In India"

* Transformation for Sustenance, Profitability & Growth!

India SME Forum, India’s largest not-for-profit organization for Small and Medium Enterprises, proudly announced the launch of its initiative, Digishaastra for MSMEs: Securing the Future of Micro Enterprises in India on 5th December 2024. This groundbreaking program is designed to equip and empower one million micro and small enterprises with cutting-edge digital tools, enabling them to go online, become future-ready, and achieve sustained profitability and growth. Digishaastra is powered by WhatsApp and supported by the Ministry of MSME.

The event featured the presence of eminent dignitaries, including Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon'ble Minister of State for the Ministry of Labour and Employment & Ministry of MSME, as the Chief Guest, who unveiled the Digishaastra initiative during her Keynote Address. The program commenced at 10:30 AM with a welcome address by Ms. Sushma Morthania, Director General, India SME Forum, followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony graced by industry stalwarts and policymakers. There was a Special Address by the Guest of Honour, Dr. Rajneesh, Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME, and Mr. Shivnath Thukral, Vice President and Head of Public Policy, Meta India.

The Digishaastra initiative aims to digitally empower ONE Million MSMEs across India within 18 months, targeting completion by December 2025. It focuses on providing MSMEs with the tools, training, and resources necessary for seamless digital adoption and growth. By fostering digital transformation, the program seeks to bridge the technology gap, driving economic growth in the MSME sector and aligning with the Government of India’s vision for a digitally inclusive economy.

The training modules will focus on improving business processes, enhancing customer service, optimizing marketing strategies, after-sales support, and digital payment methods. Participants will gain hands-on experience with tools such as WhatsApp for Business, creating product catalogs, engaging customers through chatbots, and implementing AI-driven solutions.

The Ministry of MSME also introduced the TEAM (Trade Enablement and Marketing) scheme during the event. This scheme aims to support MSMEs in building digital storefronts and expanding their reach through e-commerce platforms.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled "Bridging the Digital Divide: Practical Pathways for MSMEs to Embrace Technology and Drive Growth." The session was moderated by Mr. Vinod Kumar, President of India SME Forum, and included industry experts from WhatsApp India, Microsoft, GoDaddy, PocketATM, and others.

Dr Rajneesh AS & DC, Ministry of MSME said, “Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing nearly 30% to our GDP and an impressive 40% to exports. The Ministry of MSME takes immense pride in supporting this sector, which plays a crucial role in the resilience and growth of the Indian economy. 

Post-COVID, MSMEs have showcased remarkable strength, achieving over 7% growth. While the world's top economies have struggled to maintain an average growth rate of 5% over the last decade, India has consistently outpaced them, exceeding this benchmark. 

Through initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched on 17th September last year, we have empowered 2.4 crore artisans and craftsmen, with 26 lakh successfully registered. Under the scheme, financial assistance of ?1,800 crore has already been disbursed, transforming lives and livelihoods. 

This resilience is not only a testament to the inherent strength of the MSME sector but also to the right interventions at the right time. Digishastra is a shining example of such an initiative, leveraging the power of the digital revolution to unlock new opportunities and redefine the dynamics of the ecosystem. 

My best wishes to the India SME Forum and Meta-WhatsApp for hosting such a phenomenal event, driving innovation and empowerment for our MSMEs.”

Mr. Shivnath Thukral, representing Meta, shared insights on how Meta’s platforms, including WhatsApp, aim to drive digital transformation for MSMEs in India. He emphasized the role of Meta in empowering MSMEs by providing them with tools and technologies to establish an online presence, connect with customers, and scale their businesses efficiently. Meta’s support of Digishaastra aligns with its broader mission to create inclusive growth opportunities for small businesses worldwide.

“We are excited to partner with the India SME Forum on training 1 million MSME’s providing a platform for their voices, advocating entrepreneurial ecosystem enhancements and fostering growth within India. WhatsApp Business App is a free for use app, and has provided micro, small businesses and solopreneurs a democratized gateway to discover new markets, serve customers and build professional digital identities. This partnership empowers the thriving MSE community, enabling businesses to adapt to new-age consumer requirements and contribute to India's socio-economic development, paving the way for social commerce in India . India is experiencing a digital revolution, and WhatsApp continues to play a pivotal role. Embracing technologies like WhatsApp fuels entrepreneurship”, he added.

Mr. Vinod Kumar, President of India SME Forum, commented, “Digishaastra for MSMEs is more than just a program; it’s a nationwide movement to digitally empower MSMEs. We have seen the key role WhatsApp  has played in digitisation of MSMEs and we are very excited to work together with WhatsApp on taking the solutions and best practices to millions of MSMEs for transforming them into globally competitive and sustainable enterprises. We believe digitising MSMEs, India's Largest Employer, will accelerate India’s journey toward economic growth and resilience.”

About Meta:

Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology company connecting people, businesses, and communities worldwide through its products and services, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, Meta aims to empower businesses of all sizes to thrive in the digital economy.

About India SME Forum:

India SME Forum is India’s largest not-for-profit, non-political, non-governmental, and non-trade organization for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs. With over 98,200 MSMEs as paid members, including 9,400+ Women Entrepreneurs and 1.23 million subscribers, the Forum works to create opportunities and provide a platform for MSMEs to grow and succeed.

About FIRST India:

The Forum for Internet Retailers, Sellers & Traders (FIRST) India, a division of ISF, supports retailers, sellers, and traders inducted into the MSME definition under the MSMED Act 2006. Together with policymakers, FIRST India works daily to create a conducive ecosystem for online merchants to expand their businesses both nationally and internationally.