A study by the Shri Ram Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources shows growing consciousness among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), a little publicised fact, with thrust on activities aimed at improving the lot of local communities and environmental problems, and exporting units upgrading their workers lifestyle to meet stiff social standards imposed of importers.

''Through their typically local anchoring, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are well placed to make a strong contribution to socio-economic development at a local level and act as responsible members of a community. Policy makers and others would do well to give more recognition to what many SMEs already do in this regard,'' the study says.