New Delhi, Apr 14 (KNN) The government has opened twenty items reserved for exclusive manufacture by Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) to large companies.

“On the recommendation of Advisory Committee, Government of India vide Notification S.O. 998 (E) dated 10.04.2015 have decided to deserve remaining 20 (Twenty) items presently reserved for exclusive manufacture by MSE Sector,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Manufacturing of 20 products including pickles, bread, mustard oil (except solvent extracted), ground nut oil (except solvent extracted), wooden furniture, exercise books, wax candles, laundry soap, safety matches, fireworks, agarbatties, glass bangles, steel almirah, rolling shutters, steel chairs - all types, steel tables – all other types, steel furniture – all other types, padlocks, stainless steel utensils and domestic utensils – aluminium were reserved for MSE.

“The policy initiatives have been taken to encourage greater investment, including the existing MSME units, to incorporate better technologies, standard and branch building to enhance competition in Indian and global markets for these products,” said the ministry.

Over the years list of items reserved for manufacture by MSE sector has been reduced from over 800 to 20.

An Advisory Committee in its meeting, held on October 20, 2014, noted that with the import liberalization, all remaining items are allowed for imports.

“There is no prima facie justification for continuation of reservation of manufacturing in the MSE sector since such reservation may inhibit the possibilities based on technologies, economy of scale, etc. vis-à-vis the imported items,” it said. (KNN/ST)