Fast track payments' body gets few cases

The Haryana Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council, formed under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Act 2006, is yet to gain popularity, as most SMEs are ignorant about the existence and utility of the body.

This regulatory body with quasi-judicial powers was set up on October 2, 2007 to safeguard the financial interests of micro and small enterprises registered in the state of Haryana. The council is meant to deal primarily with payments to enterprises which have been delayed for over 90 days.

According to the sources, the council has so far got only 36 cases pertaining to disputes regarding payments and only six have been disposed off. This is dismal for a state that thrives mainly on small and medium enterprises and has over one lakh such units.

Many small entrepreneurs shy away from approaching the body, fearing that the mother unit would get vindictive.

The council was expected to ‘fast track’ payments for SMEs. Most industrial enterprises when contacted were found to be either unaware or only partially aware of the council.