The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are embattled with host of problems. The differing levels in its size and character makes it difficult for policymakers to create a fit-for-all implementation strategy for it, said Mr Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General, Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) in a panel discussion organized by Businessworld in New Delhi on June 18.
“The character of the SME sector itself made it difficult to aspire to greater levels of efficiency. There are areas of organized and unorganized, listed and unlisted companies and these differing levels make policy implementation difficult,” Mr Bhardwaj said while speaking on the launch of the Businessworld SME Whitebook. The launch of the book was followed by a panel discussion on ‘SMEs: The Challenges Ahead’.
The Businessworld SME Whitebook was released by Mr Salman Khurshid, Hon’ble Minister of State, Independent charge, Corporate Affairs and Minority Affairs.
Highlighting the issues and concerns of the SMEs, Mr Bhardwaj said that there were three main challenges that the SMEs need to address: penetrate the market; access finance, skilled manpower and infrastructure; and lastly influence the external environment and check unfair trade practices and illegal dealings.
The panel comprised leading professionals of the industry representing different verticals. The financial aspect was put into perspective by Mr Sudip Bandyopadhyay, MD, Reliance Money; the technology aspect was covered by Mr Satyen Vyas, Director, Dell India.
Deputy Editor of Businessworld and well-known SME expert, Rajeev Dubey moderated the event.
Top Photo (Left to Right): Mr. Sudip Bandyopadhyay, MD, Reliance Money; Mr. Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General, FISME
Bottom Photo (Left to Right): Mr. Rajeev Dubey, Deputy Editor, Businessworld; Mr. Madhav Lal, Additional Secretary & Development Commissioner, MSME Ministry; Mr. Sudip Bandyopadhyay, MD, Reliance Money; Mr. Anil Bhardwaj, Secretary General, FISME; Mr. Satyen Vyas, Director & Head, Enterprise Dell