Outlook Planet C3: Manjhi Defends Modi’s Job Promise, Says MSME Dept Alone Created 25 Crore Jobs

Union Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi claimed that his department had provided over 25 crore jobs, doubling down on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to create 2 crore jobs every year—a claim that has been criticised by many opposition parties as a ‘‘jumla.’’

“When the Prime Minister says he will create 2 crore jobs every year, many people laugh and call it a ‘jumla.’ But I want to tell you that my department, the MSME Department, has been providing jobs and appointments. Till date, my department alone has created over 25 crore jobs, and that’s just one department,” Manjhi said while speaking on the second day of the Outlook Planet C3 Summit and Awards.

He further claimed that while the Modi government, in its 11 years, should have created 22 crore jobs based on its promise, his department alone has already surpassed that figure with 25 crore jobs.

According to the MSME Ministry’s Udyam Portal, as of February 4, 2025, there are a total of 5,93,38,604 registered MSMEs, collectively providing employment to over 25.18 crore individuals.

Speaking at the event, which was organised to promote sustainable practices among MSMEs, Manjhi highlighted several initiatives undertaken by his ministry. He discussed two key portals: the Udyam Registration Portal and the Udyam Assist Platform. These platforms simplify the registration process for MSMEs, facilitating access to various government schemes, financial benefits, and tax incentives.

About 6.09 crore MSME units have been registered through the Udyam and Udyam Assist Platform, the Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) party leader stated.

He also spoke about the new Samadhan Portal (Software Application for Monitoring and Disposal, Handling of Industrial Disputes/Claims/General Complaints), launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The portal aims to streamline the resolution of industrial disputes and grievances, making the process more user-friendly, transparent, and efficient.

Manjhi stated that the portal has resolved 46,240 disputes, while 41,266 cases are still ongoing.

He further noted that his department has provided loan guarantees worth Rs 8,34,000 crore for MSMEs as of January 31, 2025, under the Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) programme. This scheme offers a guarantee cover of up to 85% for loans up to Rs 5 lakh, while for loans between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 5 crore, the cover is up to 75%.

Manjhi also praised Budget 2025, which extended the definition of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by increasing investment limits and turnover thresholds. For small enterprises, the investment limit has been raised to Rs 25 crore, and for medium enterprises, it has increased to Rs 125 crore. Similarly, the turnover limit has been revised to Rs 10 crore for micro enterprises, Rs 100 crore for small enterprises, and Rs 500 crore for medium enterprises.

He also lauded the 'PM Vishwakarma' scheme which aims to enhance the quality and reach of products and services by artisans and craftspeople.