Questions :

Will the Minister of MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES be pleased to state:

• the specific technological advancements expected to be adopted by MSMEs in the tourism sector in 2023, and the manner in which these advancements contribute to their growth and success;

• the MSME-friendly policies that are planned to be launched in 2023 to support and strengthen the tourism sector;

• the financial assistance or incentives to MSMEs in the tourism sector to encourage their growth; and

• the manner in which Government collaborates with industry stakeholders to ensure a seamless and supportive environment for MSMEs in the tourism sector, in line with the goals of ease of doing business and promoting their overall success?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDMUM ENTERPRISES (SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA)

• & (b): Ministry of Tourism has initiated many steps in the area of technological advancement for the tourism sector inter-alia Multilingual Incredible India website and mobile app,

360 degree virtual tour, launch of utsav.gov.in, digitalization of the classification of accommodation units and recognition of travel trade service providers, Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) Certification programme for online learning, E-marketplace for IITFs/Guides, National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI).

Further, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has taken several initiatives recently, these inter-alia includes, adoption of dual criteria based definition of MSMEs, launch of Udyam portal to facilitate ease of registration, launch of Udyam Shakti portal, integration of Udyam with portals of Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, extension of non-tax benefits for 3 years.

(c):  The Ministry of MSME implements various schemes/programmes to encourage the growth of MSMEs in the areas of credit support, formalization, technological assistance, infrastructure development, skill development and training and market assistance. The schemes/programmes inter-alia include Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP) and Promotion of MSMEs in North East Region and Sikkim. The Udyam registered MSMEs engaged in tourism sector can also avail the benefits of schemes/programmes of this Ministry.

: 2 :

(d):  As per the information provided by Ministry of Tourism, the National Integrated Database of Hospitality Industry (NIDHI) portal is a technology driven system, aligned with vision of an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, which is to facilitate digitalization and promote ease of doing business for hospitality and tourism sector, including MSMEs. It provides a clear picture on the geographical spread of the Hospitality & Tourism sector, its size, structure and existing capacity so as to offer relevant services to the industry like showcasing, Star Classification, Destinations, Attractions, Events, Customer Feedback etc.

Further, Ministry of MSME is facilitating inclusion and ease of doing business to ensure a seamless and supportive environment for MSMEs in the tourism sector, by providing permanent registration through an online portal i.e., ‘Udyam Registration’ (www.udyamregistration.gov.in). The process for Udyam Registration is totally free, fully digitalized and paperless. E-certificates with dynamic QR Code are issued online on completion of the registration process.