Small-scale industries have an important place in the Indian economy because they generate employment, promote entrepreneurship, use local resources, support balanced regional development and contribute to production and exports. They also provide opportunities for people with limited capital to start businesses. Recognising their importance, the Government of India has introduced several programmes, policies and schemes to provide financial, technological, marketing and infrastructural support to small-scale enterprises. In the present policy framework, many of these enterprises are covered under the broader category of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). One of the major government initiatives is the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). It aims to generate employment opportunities by helping individuals establish new micro-enterprises in rural as well as urban areas. Financial assistance is provided in the form of margin-money subsidy, while beneficiaries contribute a part of the project cost. The scheme encourages self-employment and supports people who wish to start manufacturing or service activities. The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is another important initiative. Under this programme, micro and small businesses can obtain institutional credit through the MUDRA framework. Loans are generally provided for activities such as small manufacturing units, trading, transport services and service businesses. The scheme has helped improve access to formal credit for small entrepreneurs who may otherwise find it difficult to obtain loans from conventional banking institutions. The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) was established to improve the availability of institutional credit to small businesses. One of the major difficulties faced by small entrepreneurs is the inability to provide adequate collateral security. The credit guarantee mechanism reduces the lender’s risk and enables eligible enterprises to obtain loans without depending entirely on collateral. The Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and other technology-upgradation initiatives have also been used to encourage small enterprises to adopt modern technology. Technological improvement is essential because small units often operate with old machinery and traditional production methods. Assistance for