Small Scale Industries has acquired pre-eminent position in the economic structure of the country and helps the economic developinent and removal of disparities. It is the symbol of our economy and reflects production by masses rather than mass production. As of today this sector has 34 lakh units which is 95% of industrial units in the country and producing over 7500 different items. The sector contributes about 40% of value added in the manufacturing, 34% to the export, gainful employment to 177 lakh persons and 7% to the GDP. The average rate of growth of production is estimated at 7.7% and employment is about 3.7% per annum during the Ninth Plan and the target for the Tenth Plan has been kept at 12% and 8% (GDP). The sector blossoms into an epitome of excellence and harbinger of a new egalitarian society. The SSI sector has proved its mettle even in the changed liberalized economic environment of the country. The gradual and impending application of WTO Regulations and removal of Quantitative Restrictions have added to its woes. With decline in agricultural employment and virtual stagnation in the organized manufacturing sector, employment in this sector has emerged as the only ray of hope.
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