Article Details
  • Published Online:
    June  2024
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJED020624
  • Author Name:
    Sreemoyee Datta and Sanjib Kr Basu
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Management
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    26
Factors Affecting Development of Cottage Industries in West Bengal: An Empirical Study
Abstract

The State of West Bengal in India is known for its flourishing cottage industries. However, these industries have experienced a downturn in performance and growth due to several challenges. This study examines the barriers to their development and suggests reforms inspired by successful practices in cottage industries. The study not only highlights the issues facing cottage industries but also offers constructive recommendations for their improvement.

Introduction

Cottage industries are typically small-scale, family-run ventures that operate out of homes, requiring less than 300 sq. ft. of space and less than 1 kW of power, while minimizing pollution. 1 West Bengal is a leading state in India, home to approximately 350,000 small-scale cottage industries that employ about 2.2 million people. 2 The state's comparative advantage in labor over capital allows it to produce labor-intensive goods more affordably