A revised definition, based on the twin criteria of investment and turnover, was adopted on 01.07.2020 to define Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Udyam Registration Portal (URP) was launched for registration of MSMEs. To bring Informal Micro Enterprises (IMEs) under the formal ambit of MSMEs, Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) was launched on 11.01.2023. The number of manufacturing units registered on URP, including UAP in the North-Eastern states from 01.07.2020 to 15.03.2025 is 4,60,351.

‘Startup India Initiative’ was launched by Government of India on 16^th January, 2016, to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation, startups and encouraging investments in the startup ecosystem of the country. As per eligibility conditions prescribed under G.S.R. notification 127(E) dated 19^th February, 2019, entities are recognized as ‘startups’ under the Startup India initiative by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). As on 31^st January, 2025, 2109 entities in the North Eastern Region have been recognized as startup by DPIIT. Under the Startup India initiative, the Government of India constantly undertakes various efforts for the development and growth of startup ecosystem across the country including North Eastern Region. The flagship Schemes namely, Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) support startups at various stages of their business cycle. Government also encourages and support ecosystem led initiatives as Startup Mahakumbh which serve as a vibrant platform for stakeholders to network and collaborate. Initiatives to improve market access and enable public procurement support startups in growing and scaling up their businesses have also been undertaken.

This information was given by the Minister of State of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

Samrat/Allen