The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises announced that 364 projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) have been completed in India. These projects aim to improve productivity and competitiveness of MSMEs by establishing common facility centres and infrastructure in industrial clusters. Additionally, under the SFURTI scheme, 513 traditional industry clusters have been approved since 2015-16 to support artisans and rural livelihoods. These initiatives promote technology adoption, digitalisation, skill development and better market access for MSMEs and traditional sectors across the country.
The Government of India has strengthened the MSME sector through cluster-based development programmes. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises announced that 364 projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) have been completed.
MSE-CDP is a Central Sector Scheme designed to improve productivity and competitiveness of micro and small enterprises. It supports industrial clusters by creating Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and infrastructure projects.
• Industry 4.0 learning facilities
• Additive manufacturing and digital infrastructure
• Design and incubation centres
• Training and skill development centres
• Research and development facilities
• Renewable energy systems like solar and wind
The government also promotes traditional industries through the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI).
• 513 clusters approved since 2015-16
• Government assistance of ₹1,332.95 crore
• About 3.03 lakh artisans supported
• 378 clusters already operational
• Handicrafts
• Handloom
• Coir industry
• Honey production
• Agro-processing
The government is also promoting digital adoption among MSMEs through platforms like Udyam registration, digital payments, e-commerce and AI-based tools.
Another initiative is the TEAM scheme, which helps MSMEs join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for better market access.
These initiatives aim to strengthen MSME competitiveness, generate employment and promote rural industrialisation.
• MSE-CDP is a cluster-development scheme for MSMEs
• 364 projects completed across India
• 606 projects approved since scheme start
• 242 projects still under implementation
• SFURTI supports traditional industries and artisans
• 513 clusters approved under SFURTI
• ₹1,332.95 crore assistance allocated
• 3.03 lakh artisans expected to benefit
• Cluster model improves productivity and market access
Cluster Development Approach
• Industrial cluster means group of related businesses in one location
• Clusters share infrastructure and common facilities
• Reduces production costs and improves efficiency
• Encourages technology adoption and innovation
• Improves access to finance and markets
• Used globally for SME development
1.MSE-CDP scheme is related to which sector?
A) Agriculture
B) MSME development
C) Defence manufacturing
D) Banking reforms
Answer: B
2.Which ministry implements the MSE-CDP scheme?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Commerce
C) Ministry of MSME
D) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: C
3.SFURTI scheme mainly supports which group?
A) Large industries
B) IT companies
C) Traditional artisans
D) Foreign investors
Answer: C
4.SFURTI scheme was launched to promote which type of industries?
A) Traditional industries
B) Automobile industry
C) Aviation sector
D) Pharmaceutical industry
Answer: A
5.Cluster development programmes mainly aim to:
A) Increase imports
B) Strengthen small industries
C) Reduce exports
D) Promote privatization
Answer: B
Q1. Which ministry implements the SFURTI scheme in India?
Answer: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Q2. Cluster Development Programme in India mainly focuses on which sector?
Answer: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Students often confuse SFURTI scheme with MSME cluster programme.
• MSE-CDP → Industrial MSME clusters
• SFURTI → Traditional artisan clusters
• Ministry implementing the scheme
• Objective of SFURTI
• Cluster-development concept
• Beneficiary sectors