Budget 2026: Govt To Deploy 'Corporate Mitras' To Support MSMEs In Tier 2, 3 Towns

New Delhi, Feb 1 (KNN) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting Budget 2026-27 in Lok Sabha said that government will help professional institutions such as Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) to develop a cadre of 'Corporate Mitras', especially in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.

These trained and accredited para-professionals will help MSMEs meet compliance requirements at affordable costs.

"Government will facilitate Professional Institutions such as ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI to design short-term, modular courses and practical tools to develop a cadre of 'Corporate Mitras', especially in Tier-II and Tier-III towns," Sitharaman said.

Simranjeet Singh, CEO – SME & Retail at Anand Rathi Global Finance said that corporate mitra initiative would help MSMEs navigate the complex compliance process and foster their growth.

The Finance Minister also announced removal of the current value cap of Rs 10 lakh per consignment on courier exports with the objective of supporting small businesses.

"In addition, handling of rejected and returned consignments will be improved with effective use of technology for identifying such consignments," Sitharaman said.

She also proposed to set up a high-powered 'Education to Employment to Enterprise' standing committee to recommend measures that focus on the Services Sector as a core driver of Viksit Bharat.

"This will make us a global leader in services, with a 10 percent global share by 2047. The Committee will prioritise areas to optimise the potential for growth, employment and exports. They will also assess the impact of emerging technologies, including AI, on jobs and skill requirements and propose measures thereof," the Minister said.

(KNN Bureau)