WITH the country— five states—having already launched into assembly elections, it seems pertinent and timely to bring to light where women (50 percent of the electorate) stand as far as their fiscal health is concerned. Among this section of the electorate, a very small number are entrepreneurs, especially in the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector. A positive reflection of their financial status can direct the general perception of the entire 50 percent of the electorate, plus of all family members who are eligible to vote, dependent on them. With more assembly elections due soon, it will be wise for the government—at the Union and at the state levels—to ensure that this weak section be catered to.
It is, therefore, necessary to study the condition of not only the MSMEs in India, but specifically, the role of women within this sphere. The first reason why this is needed is, of course, the already mentioned 50 percent electorate power that women enjoy, but the second is more important—their economic condition within the overall MSME ecosphere. Not that this special area has escaped the notice of the MSME ministry. There are several interesting indicators in the MSME ministry’s annual report 2020-21. Some are bright, some not that much.
If women’s empowerment has been any yardstick, especially at the MSME level, West Bengal leads the country by miles. According to the report, the percentage share of states in MSMEs owned by women shows Bengal having 23.42 percent owned by women. The second on the ladder, Tamil Nadu, is way down at 10.37 percent. Kerala, even with high levels of literacy, is further down at 4 percent, with the National Capital at a mere 0.7 percent.
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