The unincorporated non-agricultural sector in India has witnessed remarkable growth over the past year, with the number of enterprises increasing by 12.84%, according to the latest Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2023-24). Conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), the survey highlights the sector’s expansion and its growing role in employment generation.
The findings reveal that the number of establishments in the sector has surged to 7.34 crore in 2023-24, up from 6.50 crore in the previous year. Employment in these enterprises has also seen a significant boost, crossing 12 crore workers between October 2023 and September 2024—an increase of over one crore workers compared to the previous year. This surge in employment reflects the resilience of small businesses and informal enterprises that drive a significant portion of India’s economy.
The unincorporated sector, comprising manufacturing, trade, and services (excluding construction), remains a crucial pillar of India’s economy. The report underscores the importance of these enterprises in providing livelihood opportunities, particularly in states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, which have seen substantial increases in the number of establishments.
While government initiatives like Mudra Yojana and Startup India have played a pivotal role in encouraging entrepreneurship and expanding the informal sector. The increase in the number of establishments suggests that such schemes have contributed to the sector’s overall expansion.
The ASUSE 2023-24 report was presented in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday in a written response by Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rao Inderjit Singh.
