Murlidhar Ahuja Honoured with MSME Pioneer Award on World MSME Day
Lucknow: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP, exports, and employment generation. This was stated by Amit Gupta, National President of the National Jan Udyog Vyapar Sangathan, while addressing an Industry Dialogue and Felicitation Ceremony organized on the occasion of World MSME Day at Hotel Renaissance in Lucknow.
Highlighting the importance of the sector, Gupta said that MSMEs contribute nearly 32 percent to India’s GDP, account for more than 40 percent of exports, and provide employment to millions across the country. He described MSMEs as the second-largest source of employment after agriculture. He also noted that Uttar Pradesh currently has more than one lakh MSME units operating across the state.
Gupta urged the Uttar Pradesh Government to introduce MSME lending support initiatives similar to those implemented by the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu. He emphasized the growing need for skilled workers, stating that while access to education has expanded, the availability of industry-ready skilled manpower remains inadequate. According to him, many development projects and industrial schemes face delays due to the shortage of trained workers, making skill development a critical priority alongside formal education.
Speaking at the event, National Vice President Gajendra Sharma said that traders and entrepreneurs are benefiting from various MSME-related activities and support programs.
During the ceremony, Murlidhar Ahuja was honoured with the prestigious MSME Praneta Samman (MSME Pioneer Award). Amit Gupta and Anita Agrawal, National President of the Women’s Wing, presented him with a bouquet, ceremonial shawl, and memento in recognition of his contributions to the MSME sector.
The event was attended by several prominent office-bearers and business leaders, including Manish Agrawal, State President; Anita Agrawal, National President of the Women’s Wing; Gajendra Sharma, National Vice President; Jagat Narayan Agrawal, State Senior General Secretary; Alok Arya, State General Secretary (Organization); Ravindra Jaiswal, State General Secretary; Devendra Agrawal, State Minister; and Manish Bhatiani, Metropolitan President. Traders and entrepreneurs from various districts of Uttar Pradesh also participated in the programme.
