030. National | Economy, Report
India’s Unincorporated Sector Sees Growth: Key Findings from ASUSE 2023–24
Introduction
The Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2023–24, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), reveals strong growth in India’s unincorporated non-agricultural sector — a major contributor to employment and the GDP.
🧾 What is ASUSE?
- Covers unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises (excluding construction)
- Applies to both rural and urban areas
- Focuses on sectors like manufacturing, trade, and services
- Based on multi-stage stratified random sampling
📊 Key Highlights
Growth in Number of Establishments
- Increased from 6.50 crore (2022–23) to 7.34 crore (2023–24)
- Growth rate: 12.84%
- “Other Services” sector saw highest growth: 23.55%
- Manufacturing grew by 13%
Employment Growth
- Workforce crossed 12 crore, with over 1 crore added since last year
- Top employing states: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal
👩🔧 Female Participation
- Share of female workers rose from 25.63% to 28.12%
- 58% of manufacturing units are led by women
- Signifies progress in gender inclusivity in informal businesses
🛍️ Sector-wise Activity Distribution
| Sector | Share of Establishments |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | 27% |
| Apparel Manufacturing | 12% |
💰 Gross Value Added (GVA)
- Overall GVA grew by 16.52%
- Services sector led with 26.17% growth
- Top contributors: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat
🌐 Digital Adoption
- Internet usage for business rose from 21.10% to 26.70%
- Highest adoption seen in trading establishments
💸 Financial Insights
- Avg. fixed assets per unit rose from ₹3,18,144 to ₹3,24,075
- Outstanding loans increased — showing better credit access
🧾 Formalisation Trend
- Registered establishments grew slightly: 36.80% → 37.20%
- Suggests ongoing move toward regulatory compliance and formalisation
Conclusion
ASUSE 2023–24 highlights India’s informal sector as a powerful driver of jobs and grassroots entrepreneurship. With stronger digital adoption, higher GVA, and increased female leadership, the sector is quietly modernising and becoming more inclusive.
