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3 Lakh Artisans Gain from SFURTI Clusters, MSMEs Go Digital

The Ministry of MSME has completed 364 projects under its cluster development programme, directly benefiting over 3 lakh traditional artisans across sectors like handicrafts and agro-processing. The SFURTI initiative has approved 513 clusters with significant government funding, most of which are now operational. The schemes emphasize modern infrastructure, including Industry 4.0 facilities and digital tools, to enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, new initiatives like the TEAM scheme aim to onboard MSMEs onto digital commerce platforms, with a dedicated focus on supporting women entrepreneurs.

Key Points: SFURTI Clusters Benefit 3 Lakh Artisans, Boost MSMEs

  • 364 MSE-CDP projects completed
  • 513 SFURTI clusters approved
  • Focus on digital & greenfield infrastructure
  • TEAM scheme for ONDC onboarding
  • Half beneficiaries to be women-owned
2 min read

Over 3 lakh artisans set to benefit from SFURTI Cluster Development Initiatives

Over 3 lakh artisans benefit from 364 SFURTI clusters. MSME schemes drive digital adoption and support women entrepreneurs via ONDC.

"benefit approximately 3.03 lakh traditional artisans - Ministry of MSME"

New Delhi, March 15

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has completed 364 projects under the Micro and Small Enterprises-Cluster Development Programme, while the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries continues to scale traditional industry clusters.

Out of 606 projects approved since the inception of the MSE-CDP scheme, 242 remain ongoing, focusing on enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of small enterprises through Common Facility Centres (CFCs) and infrastructure partitioning.

The ministry reported that these clusters "benefit approximately 3.03 lakh traditional artisans engaged in diverse sectors such as handicrafts, handloom, agro-processing, coir, honey, and related activities".

According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, the SFURTI initiative has approved 513 clusters across the country since the 2015-16 period. This program involved a committed government assistance of Rs 1,332.95 crore. Currently, 378 of these clusters are functional, while 135 are in various stages of implementation.

The MSE-CDP serves as a demand-driven Central Sector Scheme where state governments submit proposals based on the collective needs of existing clusters. The admissible components for setting up CFCs include "Industry 4.0 and its Learning Facilities, Additive Manufacturing Facilities, Digital Infrastructure," along with R&D centres and common renewable energy generation.

The ministry also emphasised "CFC for Greenfield clusters for holistic developments of MSME sector" to ensure infrastructure supports modern manufacturing demands.

Regarding the digital transition, the ministry noted that the industrial landscape has seen "increased digitalisation in recent years, with enhanced operational efficiency for MSME in value creation and competitiveness."

To support this, the government utilises platforms like DigiLocker and the IndiaAI Datasets Platform. Additionally, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises supports digital empowerment through "digital registration under Udyam, training in Tool Rooms /Technology Centres for technology adoption, and incubation of new ideas."

The government has also introduced the Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) scheme to assist small enterprises in joining the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This scheme provides financial assistance for "onboarding, cataloguing, account management, logistics, packaging material and design." The ministry specifically noted that "half of these beneficiary MSMEs will be women-owned enterprises."

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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the government investing in digital infrastructure for MSMEs. The push for Industry 4.0 and tools like DigiLocker can really help small businesses in tier-2 and tier-3 cities compete. Hope the benefits reach the grassroots level.
A
Arjun K
Over 3 lakh artisans is a significant number. My uncle is a potter in Khurja and has been struggling. I hope schemes like SFURTI provide real, tangible support like better market access and modern tools, not just remain on paper.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works in development, the cluster-based approach is smart. Creating Common Facility Centres for things like R&D and renewable energy can reduce costs dramatically for individual artisans. The key will be sustainable management after setup.
V
Vikram M
While the intent is good, I have a respectful criticism. We hear about many schemes, but the gap between approval and actual, widespread impact is huge. How many of these 378 "functional" clusters are truly transforming lives? Transparency in outcomes is needed.
K
Kavya N
The integration with ONDC is a game-changer! If local handicrafts and honey can be sold on a national digital platform, it will open up markets our artisans never dreamed of. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Interesting

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