Small Scale-Industries constitute a vital sector in India's economy. Small Scale units comprise 75% of the registered factories accounting for nearly 30% of employment and contributing over 40% of industrial production. The respective figures will be even more, if unregistered units are taken into account. Its total contribution to GNP is nearly 13%, which is more than the heavy industries sector. Production of electronics, which is regarded as an index of national economic growth , is heavily concentrated in the small sector.

What is of greater significance is that the large industries are heavily dependent on the small units for ancillaries. In some cases finished products on the large scale sector consist of as high a proportion as 80% from the small sector. The National small Industries Fgair organised by the Trade Fair Authority of India is the national projection of this vital sector covering the entire gamut of products from sophisticated electronics and modern engineering items to traditional handicrafts and products of the cottage and tiny units including village industries.

The Fair is symbolic of Gandhiji's 'Back to the village' movement and has been organised in accordance with the socio-economic objectives and priorities of the Government. The theme of this Fair is 'Small Industry serves the People'. The display will provide a close view of the different facts of small industry sector, both in State pavilion presenting a composite show. An exclusive export potential of the small and cottage industries.

The Indian P & T department is happy to bring out a postage stamp to make the inauguration of this fair.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India