The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Wednesday released the detailed results of the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2025, highlighting broad-based growth in India’s unincorporated non-agricultural sector in terms of establishments, employment, output and digital adoption.
According to the report, the total number of establishments in the sector increased from 7.34 crore in ASUSE 2023-24 to 7.92 crore in ASUSE 2025, registering a growth of 7.97 per cent.
The survey stated that the expansion was largely driven by the services sector, particularly “Other Services”, which recorded a growth of 10.29 per cent, followed by manufacturing at 6.48 per cent and trade at 6.18 per cent.
The report further noted that Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices grew by 10.87 per cent during the period. Trade registered the highest growth at 16.77 per cent, followed by manufacturing at 8.52 per cent and other services at 7.36 per cent, indicating sustained economic activity in the segment.
On the employment front, the sector provided jobs to around 12.81 crore workers during January–December 2025, adding more than 74.52 lakh jobs compared to the previous survey period. Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Maharashtra together accounted for over one-third of the total employment in the sector.
The survey also highlighted increased participation of women in the workforce. Female workers accounted for nearly 29 per cent of total employment, while female-headed proprietary establishments rose to 26.93 per cent in ASUSE 2025 from 26.17 per cent in the previous round.
A notable rise in digital adoption was also observed, with internet usage for entrepreneurial activities increasing to 39.37 per cent in 2025 from 26.68 per cent in the previous survey period. In urban areas, internet usage rose to 48.94 per cent, while in rural areas it increased to 31.06 per cent.
The report further stated that more than 80 per cent of outstanding loans were sourced through institutional channels. Meanwhile, the average fixed assets per establishment increased to Rs 3,42,242, indicating improved capital investment in the sector.
-Ani
