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MSME Credit to Benefit from Budget Boost, Counter Unsecured Loan Stress

MSME Credit to Benefit from Budget Boost, Counter Unsecured Loan Stress

To enhance credit flow to MSMEs, the government is urging banks to offer collateral-free term loans and additional support during financial stress. The FY25 budget includes a new credit guarantee scheme to help MSMEs in manufacturing secure loans for machinery and equipment without needing collateral or a third-party guarantee.
Indian lenders are beginning to balance expectedly slower growth in unsecured lending due to rising stress with larger financing allocations to MSMEs, which the Centre believes are core to last-mile job creation and deserve greater access to formal funds and budgetary support.
“Lowering growth estimates on the retail side will not bring down overall loan growth, I see it supported by the MSME segment,” said Prashant Kumar, managing director of Yes Bank. “That book is growing at a fast clip of 25%, we are also not seeing any stress in that book.”
To boost credit flows to MSMEs, the government has encouraged banks to give term loans to small businesses without collateral and top-up loans during stress. In the FY25 budget, the finance minister proposed a new credit guarantee scheme to help MSMEs in the manufacturing sector avail term loans for purchasing machinery and equipment without collateral or third-party guarantees.
“Budget proposals are expected to boost financing to the MSME segment and improve MSME assessment,” said MV Rao, chairman of the Indian Banks Association.
A separately constituted self-financing guarantee fund will provide each applicant with a guarantee cover of up to ₹100 crore.
Bank loans to MSMEs climbed to ₹10.4 lakh crore at the end of May 2024, from ₹8.2 lakh crore at the end of May 2022.
Risk Weight Caution
Banks that have reported earnings through July have seen greater stress in their unsecured advances, particularly personal loans. The central bank had raised risk weightings on sections of retail exposure late last year to cool loan disbursements to the segment it believed could pose risks to the broader financial system in the event of rising delinquencies.
Lately, the regulator has also been cautioning against increasing stress related to personal loans and credit cards.
Unsecured loan growth slowed to about 18% in May this year from 23% in November 2023, when the central bank made it less attractive for lenders to advance such credit.
Axis Bank has seen fresh slippages during the June quarter increase to ₹4,793 crore out of which ₹4,200 crore came from the retail segment. “What we continue to indicate is (that) for certain parts of the unsecured portfolio, we are seeing credit costs rise, but they remain well within our risk guardrail,” Puneet Sharma, chief financial officer at Axis Bank said after the bank’s earnings call.
Under Scrutiny
HDFC Bank had said it is cautious of unsecured exposures. “On the unsecured side, we have seen regulators talking about being cautious of credit quality. We are cautious of the credit and calibrate accordingly,” chief financial officer of HDFC Bank, Srinivasan Vaidyanathan said after the bank’s earnings call.
Recently, Axis Bank announced a co-lending partnership with Piramal Finance to offer loans to middle and low-income segment borrowers. A Mumbai-based MSME-focused non-banking financial company, Ashv Finance, and HDFC Bank also announced that they will co-lend unsecured business loans to small and micro enterprises across India. Muthoot Microfin has also made a co-lending partnership with the State Bank of India to extend loans to women entrepreneurs in rural and semi-urban regions across India.

July 26, 2024
MSME Experts Highlight Gaps in Budget 2024

MSME Experts Highlight Gaps in Budget 2024

The MSME ecosystem has collectively praised the measures announced in the Budget 2024, including a Rs 100 crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for manufacturing units, a new credit assessment model based on MSME digital footprints, credit support for MSMEs under stress, enhanced Mudra loan limits, and a reduced turnover threshold for TReDS. However, key voices have also pointed out several gaps left unaddressed.
Prominent MSME body, the Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME), appreciated the steps taken in the budget, such as the announcement of a fund to help stressed MSMEs red-flagged under the ‘special mention account’ (SMA) category. However, they noted that the major issue of a lack of empowered officials at branch levels remains unresolved.
Vijay Kalantri, Chairman of WTC Mumbai & President of the All India Association of Industries (AIAI), observed that the budget lacks major policy measures to support capacity building, manufacturing investment, and infrastructure. Kalantri suggested that incentives for MSMEs to increase production capacity and invest in R&D should have been included. He also mentioned that measures to further improve the ease of doing business for MSMEs and startups were missing.
Kalantri pointed out that many startup founders prefer to register their companies abroad due to complex local regulations for registration, fundraising, unfavorable tax treatment when exiting investments, and restrictive FEMA guidelines for doing business with foreign clients.
Mukul Goyal, Co-founder of management consulting firm Stratefix Consulting, highlighted the absence of significant taxation-related announcements for businesses. While he acknowledged the budget’s focus on ease of doing business, including measures to streamline regulatory processes and extend tax holidays for startups, he noted that the lack of substantial changes in GST rates was a missed opportunity. Simplifying compliance and reducing the GST burden on essential goods for MSMEs would have provided immediate relief and improved cash flow management.
Despite these gaps, the MSME ecosystem has largely welcomed the measures announced in the budget, including the Credit Guarantee Scheme for manufacturing units, a new credit assessment model based on MSME digital footprints, credit support for stressed MSMEs, enhanced Mudra loan limits, and a reduced turnover threshold for TReDS.
The expenditure outlay for the MSME Ministry in this year’s budget stood at Rs 22,138 crore, the same as the previous year. However, the amount for central sector schemes for MSMEs was marginally increased to Rs 21,868 crore from Rs 21,852 crore in the 2023-24 budget estimates.

July 25, 2024
Government and Industry Collaborate to Boost India’s Toy Sector

Government and Industry Collaborate to Boost India’s Toy Sector

Government and industry leaders will convene on July 8 to discuss strategies for enhancing the growth of India’s toy sector, focusing on boosting manufacturing capabilities and increasing exports. The meeting, organized by Invest India in collaboration with the Toy Association of India, aims to address key issues such as regulatory developments, India’s positioning as a global toy hub, and integrating local manufacturers into the global supply chain.
Naresh Kumar Gautam, Senior Vice-President of the Toy Association of India, highlighted that the government has already implemented several initiatives to stimulate sectoral growth. An international fair is concurrently being held from July 6-9 at Pragati Maidan, showcasing products from over 400 domestic toy manufacturers to more than 150 foreign buyers representing 35 nations. The Prime Minister’s endorsement of the sector in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ address has further galvanized efforts to bolster this labor-intensive industry.
Gautam emphasized the need for fiscal support measures for stallholders and announced the upcoming ‘Toy Industry CEOs Meet’ on July 8, which will be attended by senior officials from DPIIT, Invest India, and industry representatives.
Highlighting significant developments, Gautam noted that toy exports have surged by 240% since 2014, while imports have decreased by 52% during the same period. He underscored substantial opportunities for women, with an estimated 70% of the workforce in the sector being women. Construction has also commenced on a major toy cluster in Noida, which is poised to become India’s largest, with 150 individuals already allocated land for setting up toy manufacturing units.

July 9, 2024
CreditEnable Partners with WEP to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

CreditEnable Partners with WEP to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

CreditEnable has partnered with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) incubated by Niti Aayog to launch its flagship digital financial wellness program, Shine, aimed at women entrepreneurs across India.
Introducing Shine: A Path to Financial Wellness
Shine, developed by CreditEnable and powered by Experian, offers SME owners a comprehensive analysis of their financial health alongside digital coaching to help them manage their finances better. This initiative aims to enhance their creditworthiness and secure financing on favorable terms from formal financial institutions.
Key Features of Shine:
– 360° Financial Analysis: Shine provides entrepreneurs with an in-depth overview of their financial health, including credit scores, banking, and GST data, to reveal loan eligibility and improve approval chances.
– Actionable Tips: The program offers clear, actionable steps to improve financial profiles and address lender concerns.
– Better Loan Prospects: By following the expert advice provided, entrepreneurs can improve their access to finance at affordable rates.
Shine for Women Entrepreneurs:
The Shine program offers exclusive benefits for women entrepreneurs, including:
– Discounted Access: 1,000 women entrepreneurs will receive discounted access to the digital financial wellness program.
– Regular Curated Insights: The program delivers frequent insights to help maintain and improve financial health.
– Actionable Recommendations: Detailed analysis of financial data to provide practical steps for improvement.
– Live Webinars: Free webinars on improving credit and financial profiles for 500 women entrepreneurs.
– 1-1 Financial Coaching: Personalized coaching and discounted remediation program for 500 women entrepreneurs.
– Loan Application Assistance: Support for 1,000 women entrepreneurs in navigating the loan application process.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs:
Currently, only 10% of SME loan applications are successful, with women entrepreneurs facing even greater challenges in accessing formal finance. Shine addresses these unique challenges by offering tailored financial advice and actionable insights to help women entrepreneurs achieve financial independence. CreditEnable’s collaboration with WEP incubated by Niti Aayog underscores their commitment to fostering growth and financial inclusion for women-led businesses.
“We are delighted to partner with WEP incubated by Niti Aayog to distribute Shine to women entrepreneurs across India,” says Nadia Sood, CEO & Founder of CreditEnable. “By providing them with the tools and resources they need to understand and improve their credit health, and directly facilitating access to finance for them, we are opening doors to new opportunities for their businesses to thrive.”
“WEP incubated by Niti Aayog is proud to partner with CreditEnable on this innovative program,” says Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor at NITI Aayog. “Shine will equip women entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge and creditworthiness they need to become stronger, more competitive business leaders.”

July 8, 2024
SEBI In Action: Market Watchdog Caps Opening Price of IPO for NSE Emerging Segment

SEBI In Action: Market Watchdog Caps Opening Price of IPO for NSE Emerging Segment

To ensure uniformity in the opening price discovery and equilibrium price for SME platform IPOs across exchanges, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to impose a cap of up to 90 percent over the issue price for SME IPOs.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced in a circular on Thursday, July 4, that the opening price of shares listed under the small and midsize enterprise (SME) category will be capped. According to the circular, effective immediately, shares listed under the SME segment may only be priced “up to 90 percent over the issue price.”

Price Control Cap on SME Segment

This 90 percent price control cap will exclusively apply to the SME segment and not to mainboard IPOs, as clarified by the NSE. The circular took effect on July 4, 2024.
The NSE has set an upper limit on the opening price of shares on its NSE Emerge platform, used for SME listings, to address concerns.
The announcement coincides with the listing of two SME IPOs at significant premiums this week. On July 1, Shivalic Power Control’s shares were listed at Rs 311 apiece, a 211 percent premium. On July 2, Divine Power Energy’s shares debuted at Rs 155, a premium of more than 287 percent.

SEBI’s Previous Observations

SEBI has observed patterns of price manipulation. SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch stated, “The market has advised us on how to identify and address such cases.”
SEBI is collaborating with advisors to comprehend and analyze the data. “Manipulation is simple both during the IPO and in subsequent years. Additional disclosure regarding risk factors is required,” Buch noted.

July 5, 2024
Govt to Extend Easy Visa Rules to All PLI Sector Companies: DPIIT Secretary

Govt to Extend Easy Visa Rules to All PLI Sector Companies: DPIIT Secretary

The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme covers 14 sectors, including mobile phones, drones, white goods, telecommunications, textiles, automobiles, specialty steel, and pharmaceutical drugs. The government is working towards streamlining the application process for Indian business visas for companies that have set up manufacturing units in these sectors but are not direct beneficiaries of the PLI scheme.
“We have already streamlined the process for PLI beneficiaries. We’re now trying to extend this streamlined process to non-PLI beneficiaries operating in those same strategic sectors. We are currently drawing up a similar streamlined process for these non-PLI beneficiaries,” said Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, on Thursday.
While a final decision has yet to be made, the government is moving in this direction. “Visa-related matters fall under the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Singh added.
Earlier this week, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal told Business Standard that the government is expediting visa-related issues to bring technicians to India from China and other countries as needed to ensure the smooth implementation of the PLI scheme.
The industry has sought government intervention to resolve visa-processing delays affecting Chinese vendors involved in manufacturing projects. Companies have faced productivity issues due to visa hurdles in areas ranging from component manufacturing to the installation or repair of machinery, especially under the PLI scheme.
Several ministries and government departments have been addressing outstanding visa-related issues for experts and technicians from China with the Ministry of External Affairs. DPIIT has also been coordinating these matters with the external affairs ministry.

July 5, 2024
MSME Day 2024: Significance, History, and Its Difference from Small Industry Day

MSME Day 2024: Significance, History, and Its Difference from Small Industry Day

Overview
MSME Day, observed annually on June 27, is designated by the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the vital role that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development globally. This day celebrates the immense contributions of MSMEs to economic growth, employment generation, and poverty reduction.
Importance of MSMEs
MSMEs form the backbone of many economies, especially in developing countries. They operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, services, agriculture, and trade, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and local development. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, MSMEs, both formal and informal, constitute over 90% of all companies worldwide, employ an average of 70% of the total workforce, and contribute 50% to global GDP.
Challenges Faced by MSMEs
Despite their significance, MSMEs face numerous challenges, particularly in accessing finance. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) reports that around 65 million firms, or 40% of formal MSMEs in developing countries, have an unmet financing need of $5.2 trillion annually. This gap is equivalent to 1.4 times the current level of global MSME lending. Regional disparities also exist, with East Asia and the Pacific accounting for the largest share of the finance gap, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe and Central Asia.
MSMEs in India
India is home to approximately 63 million MSMEs, second only to China’s roughly 140 million micro and small enterprises. Indian MSMEs contribute about 30% to the GDP, over 40% to exports, and have created 110 million jobs. According to the government Udyam registration portal, 46 million MSMEs are registered, reporting 200 million jobs.
World MSME Day vs. National Small Industry Day
In addition to World MSME Day, India observes National Small Industry Day annually on August 30. This day celebrates the contributions of small-scale industries to the country’s growth. The Indian government launched an extensive policy package for small industry on August 30, 2000, and since then, National Small Industry Day has been observed to recognize the efforts and achievements of small industries in India.
Conclusion
MSME Day serves as a platform to highlight the significant contributions of MSMEs to the global economy and raise awareness about the challenges they face. With continued support and initiatives, MSMEs can further drive economic growth and prosperity, both in India and worldwide.

June 27, 2024
How MSMEs Can Boost India’s Real Estate Market

How MSMEs Can Boost India’s Real Estate Market

With streamlined regulations and increased credit access, MSMEs have the potential to significantly enhance India’s real estate sector. MSMEs play a pivotal role in innovation, employment, and economic growth, contributing over 30% to India’s GDP. This sector is poised to transform India’s economic landscape further.
A report indicates that over 140 million people are currently employed in the MSME sector. Experts predict that the sector’s worth will reach one trillion dollars by 2028, representing a vast market with numerous possibilities. Given these positive statistics, attention is now focused on how MSMEs will reshape the real estate market and their substantial potential.
Role of MSMEs in the Real Estate Sector
Construction firms, contractors, consultants, and suppliers are integral parts of MSMEs. The construction sector contributes about 8% of India’s GDP and is projected to become the third-largest in the coming years. Many firms in this sector are unorganized, presenting an opportunity for official MSME registration. Despite global economic challenges and inflation, the real estate sector has shown resilience, and MSMEs have played a significant role in this growth.
Trends in the MSME Sector in India
Real estate MSMEs benefit from low-interest rates, exemptions on electricity consumption, and zero-collateral loans. Maintaining a track record of timely project execution, effective cash flow management, and formal documentation is crucial for these firms. While established developers secure finances from commercial banks and private equity, small developers often face challenges in obtaining project funding. Upgrading MSME infrastructure and digitalizing operations will be critical for the sector’s development.
The construction sector can also benefit from MSME registration, allowing firms to supply goods and services to large-scale companies involved in construction. The 2023-2024 Union Budget increased the infrastructure budget by 33%, recognizing infrastructure as a key factor for sustainable growth. MSMEs can support large construction firms and access suppliers of essential building materials.
Registering as MSMEs: For Real Estate
MSME registration allows developers to access credit from financial institutions and banks without pledging assets as security. Registered developers can benefit from reduced interest rates and free ISO certification, providing financial aid for obtaining certification. Registered MSMEs can also protect their innovations with a 50% subsidy on registration costs.
Significance of MSMEs
MSMEs are agile and cater to the needs of India’s middle class. Their flexibility and adaptability are commendable, as they often work based on client preferences, fostering personal connections. MSMEs are one of the largest employers outside the rural domain, employing over 40% of workers with low technology and capital requirements. They support capacity building and resource mobilization, allowing small business owners to develop innovative products. Multinational companies depend on these firms for auxiliary and semi-finished products, making MSMEs crucial to creating a suitable and inclusive society.
Future Outlook: MSMEs and Real Estate
Lending to MSMEs in real estate is expected to increase, with more private firms expanding their exposure to this sector. Financial companies using AI-powered credit scoring and predictive analysis will modernize the lending landscape, benefiting construction companies by scaling up their projects. Upgrading MSME infrastructure, including project-specific incentives like power consumption rebates and land cost discounts, will provide strong incentives for developers.
The proposal for a 75,000 crore investment in transport infrastructure projects in India will benefit MSMEs in the manufacturing space. Incentives for setting up skill development centers and business mentoring services for compliance with RERA in the real estate sector will promote professionalism among small developers. Real estate MSMEs will also benefit from various policy incentives announced by the State and Central Governments of India.
With streamlined regulations and increased credit access, MSMEs can drive economic growth and prosperity in India. Government support for MSMEs and focused initiatives will be crucial in realizing these outcomes. The real estate sector is set for a revolution powered by MSMEs.

June 26, 2024
FM Urged to Support MSME Workforce Up-Skilling and Introduce Employment-Linked Incentives

FM Urged to Support MSME Workforce Up-Skilling and Introduce Employment-Linked Incentives

The interim Budget for FY25 has allocated Rs 22,138 crore to the MSME sector, maintaining the same level as the previous financial year.
During a pre-budget meeting on Tuesday, industry executives urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to increase funding in the Union Budget to “facilitate skilling and upskilling” for the MSME workforce. They also called for the introduction of an employment-linked incentive scheme for labor-intensive sectors to boost job creation.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recommended that the finance ministry allocate funds to establish Hi-Tech training labs in micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) clusters under a public-private partnership model. Additionally, they proposed providing “skill vouchers” for re-skilling and up-skilling employees of MSMEs in new and emerging technologies.
A significant portion of the Rs 22,138 crore allocation for FY25 will be dedicated to creating more clusters and new technology centers.
In her Budget speech, Sitharaman emphasized, “It is an important policy priority for our Government to ensure timely and adequate finances, relevant technologies, and appropriate training for the MSMEs to grow and also compete globally.”
Industry leaders also urged the government to launch an employment-linked incentive scheme for “labor-intensive and high-growth potential” sectors—such as toys, textiles, furniture, and tourism—to generate jobs. They suggested offering higher incentives for the incremental hiring of women.
For instance, Wipro reported a sharp decline in its female workforce, decreasing to 68,231 employees in FY2024 from 90,721 the previous year—a drop of 22,490 employees, according to the company’s annual report.
Flexi staffing companies requested the FM to reduce the GST rate on employment services from 18% to 5%.
Flexi employees are hired for specific periods and receive benefits such as social security, standard wages, legal compliances, and registration under the EPFO. They differ from gig workers, who may not receive such benefits. Flexi employees are considered formal contractual employees under a legally bound tripartite agreement between the principal employer, the staffing company, and the worker. The principal employer contracts with a staffing company to hire flexi workers suitable for particular roles as required.
The Indian Staffing Federation (ISF), representing the staffing industry, accounts for about 30-35% of the total flexi workforce in India, estimated to be around 1.6 million.
A reduced GST rate would allow principal employers to redirect the additional cash flow towards reimbursing salaries and paying statutory contributions to employees, according to the ISF.

June 26, 2024
India’s Electronic Manufacturing May Reach USD 500 Billion by 2030: CII Report

India’s Electronic Manufacturing May Reach USD 500 Billion by 2030: CII Report

A report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) emphasizes the need for critical actions to transform India’s electronic sector ecosystem from “import-dependent assembly-led manufacturing” to “component-level value-added manufacturing.”
Key Findings
According to the report, in 2023, the demand for components and sub-assemblies reached USD 45.5 billion, supporting USD 102 billion worth of electronics production. This demand is projected to surge to USD 240 billion, supporting USD 500 billion worth of electronics production by 2030.
Growth Projections
Priority components and sub-assemblies, including Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs), are expected to grow at a robust Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30%, reaching USD 139 billion by 2030.
Recommendations for Government Action
The report recommends several key actions for the government, including:
– Introducing a fiscal support scheme, SPECS 2.0 (Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors).
– Rationalizing import tariffs on components like camera modules.
– Signing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with European and African countries.
Priority Components
The report identifies five priority components and sub-assemblies as high priority for India: lithium-ion batteries, camera modules, mechanicals, displays, and PCBs. These components accounted for 43% of the components demand in 2022 and are expected to grow to USD 51.6 billion by 2030.
Current Challenges
These components are either minimally produced in India or are heavily import-dependent. Sustaining this trend of importing priority components is not viable. The PCBA segment, which relies heavily on imports, is expected to grow by 30%, creating a demand of around USD 87.46 billion by 2030.
However, India faces several challenges, including:
– Manufacturing cost disadvantages compared to economies like China, Vietnam, and Mexico (10-20%).
– Lack of large domestic manufacturing corporations.
– Absence of a domestic design ecosystem for Indian companies.
– Insufficient raw materials ecosystem.
Economic Benefits
The report suggests that policy support will yield various economic benefits, such as:
– Job creation for approximately 280,000 people by 2026.
– Increase in domestic value addition from current levels.
– Reduction in import dependency.
– Increase in GDP.
These measures will help firmly position India as a global hub for electronics manufacturing by 2030.

June 24, 2024