A STUDY ON MSMES ROLE IN GENERATING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN RURAL AND SEMI-URBAN AREAS

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a crucial role in India's decentralized economic development.Operating across rural and semi-urban areas, they generate employment, promote self-reliance and encourage entrepreneurship.This study examines the contribution of MSMEs to regional development, focusing on employment generation, rural industrialization, and government support mechanisms.Based on primary data collected from 100 respondents, the findings show that while MSMEs significantly support selfemployment and regional balance, challenges such as a lack of awareness of schemes, loan accessibility issues, and infrastructure constraints limit their growth.Strengthening institutional support and simplifying procedures can enhance the role of NGOs in achieving inclusive development.