Millions of small businesses in the Indian economy are still operating informally. From state vendors and local tailors to small shop owners and home-based manufacturers, all work in the informal sector, and they play a critical role in the country's economic and employment landscape.

However, being informal, their work brings many challenges, such as a lack of access to formal credit, insurance, and government support. To overcome all these problems, the Government of India launched Udyam Registration Online in July 2020 to organize all the informal sectors and bring them into the formal economy. But the question here is whether formalization can happen with the help of Udyam Registration. 

Before knowing this, let us know about Udyam Registration.

Udyam Registration is an online registration process started by the government for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises located in India. It allows business owners to register online on the portal with minimal documentation. Once the registration process is completed, enterprises receive a unique identification number and certificate, which proves to be proof of the status of MSME.

The goal of this registration is that small businesses can easily get all the government schemes, from loans to subsidies and other assistance. Apart from this, it helps the government in maintaining the database of MSMEs and understanding their needs.

Now let us know about the informal economy.

The information economy consists of businesses that are not registered with the government or operate outside the legal framework of the government. And these businesses often

Do not pay taxes

Do not follow labor laws

They are not covered under the social security schemes

Do not get access to the formal banking system and credit system.

Despite so much imitation, the informal sector contributes about 50 percent of India's employment and about 30% to its GDP. But it is still vulnerable, and this is especially true in times when a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic hits the informal workers and their businesses very badly.

How Udyam promotes formalization

• Easy online process: Udyam registration is completely online and user-friendly. Entrepreneurs just need an Aadhaar number and basic information to register. This simplifies the process, especially for those who do not have the knowledge or the means to navigate complex systems.

• No Registration Fee and Minimal Registration Fee: This service is free when you complete the registration process using the government website, but sometimes it happens that the government website is not working properly, then you can take the help of a private consultancy, but at that time, you have to pay a nominal charge. Which is a very small amount.

• Integration with other systems: Udyam is linked with PAN and GST databases, which encourages enterprises to comply with tax and business name

• Access to government schemes: Businesses that are registered can apply for many benefit schemes, such as credit guarantee schemes, Mudra loan subsidy, technology upgradation, and infrastructure

• Access to market opportunities: Udyam-registered businesses can participate in government tenders and procurement programmes, which open up new avenues for them in the market

Challenges remain

Despite these benefits, the journey from informality to formality is not always smooth due to the following:

Lack of awareness: Many small businesses are still unaware of Udyam and its benefits. If there is no proper outrage and education about it, its utilization will remain limited

Digital Divide: Although Udyam is an online process, many entrepreneurs do not have internet access or digital literacy, especially in rural areas

Fear of Regulation: Many businesses prefer to remain informal because it helps them avoid tax compliance and inspections. Being on the radar directly discourages Udyam registration.

It is a step, not a solution

Udyam registration is an important step in formalizing India's informal sector.

However, it is not a standalone solution. For real transformation, it must be backed by:

Awareness Campaigns: To educate entrepreneurs on the benefits of registration

Support Services: Such as digital literacy training, document assistance, and advisory help

Policy Incentives: To make registration more attractive, like tax breaks or compliance relaxations for newly registered entities.

Stronger Infrastructure: Including internet connectivity and mobile-based registration systems

Conclusion

The Udyam Certificate download PDF initiative is a promising move towards integrating informal businesses into the formal economy. It offers them visibility, access to credit, and opportunities to grow. However, the transition to formality is a journey that requires more than just registration. It needs continuous support, education, and incentives.

To make India a 5 trillion dollar economy, it is very important to connect even the smallest businesses that fall under the criteria of MSME to the Udyam portal. If they get the right push, millions of informal enterprises will come out of the shadow and enter the formal sector, and become a strong pillar of former economic growth.