Govt has framework to address bad loans of MSMEs: Kalraj Mishra

Says the sector is facing the challenge of high cost of funds and lack of marketing strategy

The Centre has created a framework for revival and rehabilitation of MSMEs, which account for nearly half of the non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks from the industry sector, Union Minister Kalraj Mishra said today.

Of the Rs 1.13 lakh crore NPA of banks from industries in the country, the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises sector alone accounts for Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore, he told reporters here.

The high NPAs or band loans of the sector is a cause for concern for the ministry, which has created a framework for revival and rehabilitation of the units, Mishra said.

It provides for identification of incipient stress in MSMEs, and the committee constituted by banks for distressed firms will prepare a corrective action plan so that they are given an opportunity to get revived, rehabilitated or closed, he said.

The sector is facing the challenge of high cost of funds and lack of marketing strategy, the MSME minister said, adding that he favours lower interest component for MSMEs.

The ministry is also trying to implement E-governance in the department so that all transactions became transparent, leading to corruption-free administration, he said.

On providing financial assistance to MSMEs affected due to floods in Chennai, Mishra said it was under "serious consideration".

More than 53,000 MSME units are functioning in Tamil Nadu, and with the help of the state government his ministry will identify a cluster in Coimbatore to provide a boost the sector, he added.

Mishra said he had yesterday visited nearby Tirupur, the knitwear hub, and assured of steps to set up a Knitwear Design Studio at a cost of Rs 15 crore and also common industrial facilitation centre.