Skill Development, Training, and Labour Welfare in SMEs Opportunities and Gaps in Uttar Pradesh
Keywords:
Skill Development, Training, Labour Welfare, Small and Medium Enterprises, Gender Inclusion, Policy Implementation, Worker Productivity, Human Capital, Uttar Pradesh, SMEsAbstract
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the socio-economic development of India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, where they generate significant employment and contribute to regional growth. This study investigates the interrelationship between skill development, training, and labour welfare practices in SMEs, with a focus on identifying opportunities and existing gaps. Using a mixed-method approach combining survey data from entrepreneurs and workers with secondary literature, the study explores the extent to which SMEs integrate training initiatives and welfare provisions. The findings reveal that while medium enterprises show greater compliance with welfare standards and adopt structured training programs, smaller enterprises continue to rely heavily on informal practices. The study highlights critical challenges such as lack of awareness, limited financial capacity, bureaucratic hurdles, and gender disparities that restrict effective implementation of policies and welfare measures. At the same time, emerging opportunities in digital training platforms, sustainability practices, and gender-inclusive strategies present new avenues for improving both worker welfare and enterprise competitiveness. The research underscores the need for a multi-stakeholder approach involving policymakers, industry associations, training institutions, and employers to bridge the policy–practice divide and to ensure inclusive, sustainable growth in Uttar Pradesh’s SME sector.
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