State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 23 Sep 2025

MSME Sector Growth Declines in MP

Why in News?

The growth of the MSME sector in Madhya Pradesh has seen a decline over the past two years, with fewer registrations and increased shutdowns, highlighting challenges for the state's economic development.

Key Points

• Decline in MSME Registrations: According to the Union Government's data, MSME registrations in Madhya Pradesh under the Udyam Registration Portal (URP) decreased in 2024-25 compared to the previous year. 
  • In 2024-25, a total of 231,164 MSMEs were registered in MP, a decline from 249,009 registrations in 2023-24. 
  • This reduction marks a downward trend in the growth of new MSMEs in the state.
• Increased Shutdowns and De-registrations: The number of MSMEs shutting down in MP has also risen sharply. 
  • In 2024-25, 1,961 MSMEs were de-registered due to shutdowns, compared to just 552 in 2023-24. 
• Sector-Wise Decline: The widespread decline across manufacturing, services, and trading indicates systemic challenges impacting various industries in the state, necessitating targeted interventions.
• Reasons: The Union Government has cited reasons for the deregistration of MSMEs, including changes in ownership, business location, and other operational factors.
• Government’s Response and Initiatives:
  • Madhya Pradesh MSME Development Policy 2025: This policy aims to bolster the growth of MSMEs by providing a conducive environment for business operations, with a focus on enhancing productivity and innovation.
  • Chief Minister's Vision for MSMEs: On International MSME Day (27 June), the Chief Minister highlighted MSMEs' vital role in shaping MP's socio-economic future, with a vision to provide self-employment or employment for at least one family member in every household.

Udyam Registration Portal (URP) and Udyam Assist Platform (UAP)

• To address registration challenges, the Ministry of MSME launched the Udyam Registration Portal (URP) on 1st July 2020, aimed at simplifying the process for MSMEs. 
  • Facilitates ease of registration for MSMEs, making them eligible for government benefits, including participation in government procurement and access to schemes and subsidies.
• The Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) was introduced on 11th January 2023 to assist informal micro-enterprises (IMEs) in registering, especially those exempt from GST and lacking a PAN.
  • Supports IMEs by providing a platform for them to register and gain access to similar benefits, thus enhancing the ease of doing business.

International Day of Sign Languages 2025

Why in News?

The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a grand celebration for "Sign Language Day – 2025" on 23rd September 2025.

• The Ministry of Education, in partnership with the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) and NCERT, also held a Special Five-Day Live Programme on Indian Sign Language from 15th to 19th September 2025.

Key Points

• About: 
  • The United Nations General Assembly declared 23rd September as International Day of Sign Languages to underscore the significance of sign language in realizing the human rights of Deaf people. 
  • The date marks the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951, which advocates for the rights and recognition of deaf individuals globally.
  • The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted by the UN in 2006, recognizes sign languages as equal to spoken languages and obligates states to promote the linguistic identity of the Deaf community.
    • India was one of the first countries to ratify the Convention in 2007.
• Theme: This year’s theme, "No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights," calls for increased recognition of sign language as a tool for ensuring equality and dignity for individuals who are Deaf.
• 8th National Indian Sign Language Competition: As part of the celebration, the winners of the 8th National Indian Sign Language Competition, which saw participants from schools across the country in 13 categories, were honored for showcasing creativity and talent within the Deaf community.