Status of Micro Manufacturing Enterprises in West Bengal: An Analysis based on NSSO Unit Level Data

Abstract

Present paper analyses the recent position of Micro Manufacturing Enterprises (MMEs) of West Bengal in respect of ownership, nature of operation, life-span, productivity, profitability and status of growth on the basis of 67th Round NSSO Unit Level data. The density of MMEs is highest in West Bengal among the states of India where one MME exists per 7 households. In respect of employment in MMEs the West Bengal has got second position. Out of total female employment in West Bengal 29.4 per cent are employed in MMEs. Proprietary enterprises have the highest share in MMEs and within the proprietary enterprises the share of female enterprises is higher than that of male enterprises. Most of the MMEs are perennial. Productivity of MMEs is significantly high in establishment enterprises than that of own account enterprises (OAEs) but the profit rate is comparatively high in OAEs. Multinomial probit estimates indicate that expanding status of growth is caused for high productive, high profitable, rural located, establishment and perennial enterprises.