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Small Scale Industries
What are Small Scale Industries?
Industrialization does not necessarily imply the existence of huge factories spread over
hundreds of acres, churning out power and using lots of fuel. This specifically points to large-
scale industries. Industrialization also has to do with factories and industries and organizations
that operate on a much smaller scale, but generate profits all the same.
In India, particularly, there has always been a push for small-scale industrialization, since the
disparities in income and resources will not make it possible for all sections of the population
to be engaged in large-scale industrial work. Moreover, India is home to a large number of
artisanal crafts, and these cannot prosper under the principles of large-scale work. Even before
independence, there was a push for cottage industries to develop and become self-sufficient.
What are Small Scale Industries?
To define a small-scale industry effectively, it is imperative to first learn about the meaning of
industry. The term industry refers to a group of companies that are related to each other, based
on the primary business activities they undertake. Small scale industries, thus, refer to those
partnerships, corporations, or sole proprietorships that function on a lower scale, employing a
smaller workforce and generating less revenue than that by normal-sized industries or
businesses
Small scale enterprises can also refer to those businesses that apply for government support
or avail preferential tax policies, depending on their area of operation. Following is an
elaboration on the types, characteristics, and features of small-scale industries, along with a
few examples.
What are the Characteristics of Small Scale Industries?
In accordance with the small scale business meaning, such industries are characterized by the
following features ~
|. Ownership
Generally, such businesses are sole proprietorships or, in some cases, partnerships. It
means that the ownership of the business rests on a single individual, in most cases.Vedaniti,
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Il. Labor Requirements
Since capital investment in such industries is comparatively lower than that of the large-
scale ones these mostly rely on manpower, to carry out production activities.
Il Management
One of the most significant characteristics of SSI is that both the control and
management of such businesses lie with owners. The owner, thus, participates actively in
the day-to-day business conduction.
V. Flexible
Since they operate on a smaller scale, these industries are more privy to sudden and
unforeseen developments on the business front. They are more adaptable to changes in
the business environment.
V. Optimal Usage of Resources
Since they do not have excess resources at their disposal, small-scale industries make
optimal usage of the available resources without wastage.
VI. Operation Restrictions
Most small-scale businesses are limited in their area of operation. As a result, they only
operate either locally or regionally. These are a few of the characteristics of a small
business that helps to effectively gauge its operation, administration, and scope
The classification of these industries can be based on several criteria. For instance, as per the
goods and services produced, there are three types of small-scale industries.
Classification of Small Scale Industries
Type Meaning
These are the industries engaged in
the production of finished goods —
either for processing or consumption.
These types of businesses are mostly
Manufacturing industries sole proprietorships. Some of the
examples of small businesses under
this category are engineering
industries, power looms, food
processing, ete.Vedaniti,
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This category includes repair shops
Service industries and businesses engaged with
maintenance.
Most MNCs or big companies
manufacture finished goods. However,
the parts used to manufacture these
finished goods are supplied by
ancillary industries. These types of
small businesses can also include the
ones that manufacture machines for
medium-sized industries or MNCs.
Ancillary industries
A small-scale business can be
classified as an export unit if its total
exports exceed 50% of its total
manufactures. In this case, the
business can enjoy grants and other
export bonuses offered by the
government.
Export units
These industries are operated through
private resources. They also involve
small capital investment and the
utilization of indigenous technology.
Cottage industries
The industries located in rural areas,
not belonging to any organized sector,
Village industries producing goods and services without
the utilization of power belong to this
category,
Classification of Small Scale Industries on Basis of Amount of Capital Invested
Small scale enterprises can also be classified based on the amount of capital invested in their
operation. In this scenario, these industries can be classified into the following -
In the Manufacturing SectorVedaniti,
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Capital Invested in Plant and
Type Machinery
Invested amount does not surpass
Micro industry Rs.25 Lakh.
Investment sum over Rs.25 Lakh but
Small scale industry eee
In the Service Sector
Type Capital Investment in Equipment
Invested amount is not more than
Micro industries Rs.10 Lakh
Investment amount is over Rs.10 Lakh
Small industries
but is below Rs.2 Crore.
Objectives and Features of Small Scale Industries
Small scale enterprises are formed to fulfill the following objectives —
* They create employment opportunities in developing countries like India. Since capital
investment and technology usage is limited in this sector, it mostly relies on manpower,
thus generating employment.
*These industries help to boost the underdeveloped sectors of the economy - for
example, rural and cottage industries. These industries also aid in addressing the
problem of financial imbalance between the rural and urban sectors of the economy.
* These industries often adopt the implementation of technology that can help to produce
quality products at lower costs. India's export industry is largely dependent on these
small-scale enterprises.
+ Almost half of the goods exported from India are either produced or manufactured in
these industries. Thus, small-scale industries with less investment are a vital part that
helps to strengthen the economy as a whole.
However, to be established, these industries also have to register themselves under the Ministry
of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, through the Directorate of Industries under the State
Government.Vedaniti,
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What are Some Examples of Small Scale Industries in India?
India is home to many small-scale industries, which are actually doing very well in terms of
revenue. Some of them have even received international accolades. They are:
* Toy manufacturing units
* Paper manufacturing units
* Bakeries and other eatable manufacturing and processing units
* Craft guilds
* Jewelry guilds
* Incense stick manufacturing units
* Pickles manufacturing units
+ Leather manufacturing and tanning units
* The beauty industry
* Paper goods manufacturing industries
* Firecracker manufacturing units
* Handmade cosmetics and khadi units
* Tissue manufacturing units
* Candle manufacturing units
* Chocolate manufacturing units
How Does the Government of India Encourage Small Scale Industries?
There are a number of schemes and offers that encourage people to start small-scale work on
their own. For example, a number of small-scale industries enjoy tax-free returns up to a certain
amount of revenue. They also enjoy benefits such as help and investment from NGOs and many
other governmental bodies. The government always focuses on self-reliance and small-scale
industries form an excellent mouthpiece to show how it can work.Vedaniti,
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