Lok Sabha polls on mind, Modi govt readies comprehensive package for MSMEs

Steps could change sentiments of small traders, say officials

As the country heads towards assembly elections later this year and with the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in 2019, the Narendra Modi government is preparing a comprehensive package to boost credit for micro, small and medium enterprises. 

Multiple government departments, including finance and commerce ministries, and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, are involved in high-level discussions on steps that the Centre hopes will lead to a change in the sentiment of small traders and businessmen, hit by demonetisation and the goods and services tax (GST). 

“The large private sector players can raise money from the market abroad or