New Delhi, Apr 7 (KNN) Female employment in MSMEs in Punjab has declined sharply in FY 2025-26, even as neighbouring states like Haryana reported growth, according to data from the Centre-monitored Udyam Registration Portal.
Sharp Decline in Punjab, Growth in Haryana
As per a reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje, Punjab’s female MSME employment dropped to 3.53 lakh (till Feb 2026) from 8.40 lakh in FY 2024-25, marking a decline of over 50 percent.
Other neighbouring regions mirrored Punjab’s trend with Himachal Pradesh recording a decline to 63,015 from 71,095 and Chandigarh fell to 12,072 from 14,909.
However, Haryana recorded an 18.27 percent rise, increasing from 4.16 lakh to 4.92 lakh. Jammu and Kashmir saw a marginal increase from 1.44 lakh to 1.51 lakh
At the national level, female MSME employment rose modestly from 2.04 crore in FY 2024-25 to 2.13 crore (till Feb 2026).
Drop in Women-Owned Enterprises
Punjab also saw a decline in women-led MSMEs. In FY 2024-25, there were 2.18 lakh women owned units (37 percent of 5.76 lakh total) and in FY 2025-26 (till Feb) there were 1.36 lakh women owned units (33 percent of 4.13 lakh total).
Nationally, a similar trend was observed with women-owned MSMEs declining from 87.42 lakh (FY25) to 59.02 lakh (till Feb FY26).
Long-Term Trend Still Positive
Despite the recent dip, the broader trend remains encouraging. Punjab’s female MSME employment rose from 1.43 lakh in FY 2020-21 to 8.4 lakh in FY 2024-25. National figures increased from 59.67 lakh to over 2 crore in the same period
Key Takeaway
While India continues to see gradual growth in women’s participation in MSMEs, the sharp dip in Punjab highlights regional disparities and structural bottlenecks that need targeted policy intervention.
Addressing issues such as safety, infrastructure, credit access, and data reliability will be critical to sustaining and expanding women’s participation in the MSME sector.
(KNN Bureau)
