The government is optimistic about achieving its goal of having at least one registered startup in all 785 districts of the country, according to industry department officials. With only 20-25 districts left without a startup, this target is expected to be met within a year.
Current Progress
As of March 31, more than 100 districts did not have a single startup recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). However, significant progress has been made, and only 20-25 districts are now without any registered startups.
Remaining Districts
The remaining districts without startups are primarily located in remote areas of northeastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, and Sikkim, or in regions affected by left-wing extremism in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
Efforts to Promote Startups
The government has been collaborating with academic institutions, state and district administrations, startup accelerators, and seed funds to boost awareness and encourage the establishment of startups nationwide. “The economic activity gets enhanced with startups being launched,” an official said.
Criteria and Incentives for Startups
Under the government’s Startup India scheme, more than 100,000 startups have been recognized by the DPIIT. To qualify as a registered startup, a company must be less than 10 years old and have an annual turnover of no more than Rs 100 crore during any financial year since its incorporation. Recognized startups can access various incentives, including tax exemptions and financial support.
Government’s Commitment
DPIIT joint secretary Sanjiv stated, “Our endeavour is to have entrepreneurs and startups in every village of the country. To begin with, we are working very hard to be present in all districts of the country. The last mile is always very hard, but the team is focused on achieving this.”
Challenges Faced
The programme has faced difficulties in registering startups in Northeast areas due to security concerns, geopolitical issues, and lack of awareness among local inhabitants. Additionally, the creation of new districts has posed challenges. For instance, the number of districts in Rajasthan increased from 33 to over 50 last year following a delimitation exercise.
Startup Distribution.
Between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, about 117,000 startups were registered by the DPIIT. Maharashtra accounted for the highest number, followed by Karnataka, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. The lowest numbers of startups were registered in Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Sikkim, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The government remains committed to fostering entrepreneurship across the country, aiming to ensure that every district benefits from the economic boost provided by startups.
