Over 300,000 Artisans Set to Benefit from SFURTI Cluster Development Initiatives
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has announced significant progress in its cluster development programs, with over 3 lakh traditional artisans poised to gain from enhanced support and infrastructure. According to recent updates, these initiatives aim to boost productivity and competitiveness across various sectors.
Completion and Ongoing Projects Under MSE-CDP
Under the Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), the ministry has successfully completed 364 projects. Since the scheme's inception, a total of 606 projects have been approved, with 242 currently ongoing. These projects focus on establishing Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and improving infrastructure to support small enterprises.
SFURTI Initiative: Scaling Traditional Industry Clusters
The Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) has approved 513 clusters nationwide since 2015-16, with a committed government assistance of Rs 1,332.95 crore. Currently, 378 clusters are operational, while 135 are in various stages of implementation. This program benefits approximately 3.03 lakh artisans engaged in diverse fields such as handicrafts, handloom, agro-processing, coir, honey, and related activities.
Key Components and Digital Transition
The MSE-CDP is a demand-driven Central Sector Scheme where state governments submit proposals based on cluster needs. Admissible components for CFCs include Industry 4.0 learning facilities, additive manufacturing, digital infrastructure, R&D centres, and common renewable energy generation. The ministry also emphasizes CFCs for Greenfield clusters to ensure holistic development of the MSME sector.
In response to increased digitalization, the ministry noted enhanced operational efficiency for MSMEs in value creation and competitiveness. Support measures include digital registration under Udyam, training in Tool Rooms and Technology Centres for technology adoption, and incubation of new ideas. Platforms like DigiLocker and the IndiaAI Datasets Platform are utilized to facilitate this digital empowerment.
Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Scheme
To further assist small enterprises, the government has introduced the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) scheme. This initiative provides financial assistance for onboarding, cataloguing, account management, logistics, packaging material, and design to help MSMEs join the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Notably, half of the beneficiary MSMEs under this scheme will be women-owned enterprises.
Official Statement and Future Outlook
Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, shared these details in a written reply in Lok Sabha on March 12, 2026. The ongoing efforts underscore the government's commitment to revitalizing traditional industries through strategic cluster development and digital integration, aiming to foster sustainable growth and competitiveness in the MSME sector.
