FISME President Urges MSMEs To Leverage Government Schemes For Faster Growth

New Delhi, Jun 29 (KNN) Awareness and effective use of government policies and schemes can significantly accelerate MSME growth, Federation of Indian MSMEs (FISME) President Rakesh Chhabra said during SIDBI MSME Samvad on International MSME Day. 
 
He noted that alongside hard work, quality products and market demand, policy awareness is a key driver of business growth. 

Government Schemes Go Beyond Subsidies 
Chhabra said many entrepreneurs mistakenly associate government schemes only with subsidies, despite support being available for finance, technology, machinery, exports, quality certification and digital transformation. 
 
He noted that MSMEs leveraging these schemes generally grow faster, but many miss out due to limited awareness, documentation concerns or eligibility misconceptions, adding that businesses with proper documentation, a good credit history and accurate applications have a strong chance of receiving support.
 
Credit and Financial Support for MSMEs 
Highlighting key financial initiatives, Chhabra said CGTMSE offers collateral-free loans of up to Rs 10 crore, while exporters can access guarantees for loans up to Rs 20 crore. 
 
He added that PMMY, PMEGP, the Self Reliant India (SRI) Fund and the Interest Subvention Scheme provide financial assistance, capital subsidies, equity support and interest concessions to help MSMEs start, expand and grow exports. 
 
Chhabra said the government is strengthening MSME capabilities through Entrepreneurship Development Programmes, Technology Centres, Tool Rooms and specialised training institutions, while the MSME Cluster Development Programme supports common infrastructure to improve competitiveness. 
 
Focus on Quality, Lean Manufacturing and Innovation 
Chhabra said the ZED Certification Scheme helps MSMEs improve quality and sustainability through government-supported certification, while the Lean Manufacturing Scheme provides up to 90 percent financial assistance to reduce waste and improve efficiency. 
 
He added that the government also supports innovation through subsidies for product design, incubation, patents, trademarks and copyrights, including up to 90 percent assistance for patent filing. 
 
Global Market Access and Industry Success Story 
Chhabra said the International Cooperation Scheme supports MSMEs in participating in overseas exhibitions, business visits and global market promotion. 
 
The programme also featured Gujarat-based Spens Pharmaceuticals, which said government support for interest subsidies, working capital, ERP implementation and electricity duty concessions helped reduce costs, modernise operations and expand in domestic and international markets. 
 
Digital Portals Help Identify Suitable Schemes 
Chhabra advised entrepreneurs to first assess their business needs before selecting government schemes. He recommended using digital platforms such as the MyScheme Portal, MSME Champions Portal and JanSamarth Portal to identify the most suitable support programmes.
 
Rejection Is Not the End of Eligibility 
Chhabra said rejection of a loan or scheme application does not mean permanent ineligibility, advising entrepreneurs to address deficiencies and reapply. 
 
He also stressed that government support extends beyond manufacturing to a wide range of service-sector enterprises.
 
(KNN Bureau)