New Delhi, Aug 10 (KNN) Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Nitin Gadkari on Monday urged all Chief Ministers to direct officials concerned and departments to clear pending dues of MSME by their state, Union Territories (UT) and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) at earliest. 

While addressing a Virtual MSME Conclave organized by FICCI Karnataka State Council, Gadkari said,'' instructions have been given to all Ministries, Departments and PSUs to clear pending bills of MSMEs within 45 days.''

The Minister added that we are closely monitoring the complaints lodged at SAMADHAN Portal also.

Lauding the various initiatives taken by the government such as changing the definition of MSMEs, Scheme of Fund of Funds, Champions portal, extended credits to MSMEs, the Minister said that it would certainly accelerate the wheels of economy which had slowed down due to lockdown in the wake of Pandemic.

He also appealed to all the stakeholders to do away with all kinds of fear and negativity and assured that the government is doing everything possible to make the country a super economic power.

''Loans of about Rs. 1,20,000 crore have been disbursed to MSMEs out of Rs 3 lakh crore announced in the relief package,'' Gadkari informed.

''We are working on the idea of a land bank and social micro finance institution which will be very helpful for entrepreneurs and persons who want to run small shops and businesses,'' he avowed.

While discussing Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as envisaged by the Prime Minister, he said that handloom, handicrafts, khadi industries and agro-based industries should be encouraged especially in 115 aspirational districts.

We will have to plan special policies for the agricultural, rural and tribal sector because they have huge potential of creating employment, he said.

Meanwhile, addressing the Bhartiya Udyog Vyapar Mandal on 39th Rashtriya Vyapari Diwas via video conference today, Gadkari said that experts have predicted that the Centre and state govts may face a budget deficit of Rs 10 lakh crore.

The minister said that investors across the world realise that India can provide the best returns to them and added that when foreign investments come in, it will also help improve the job situation in the country.

''The situation can only get better when people’s purchasing power increases. ‘Like if a farmer does not have money then how will he buy a motorcycle, how will he use petrol or spend on hotel or a restaurant, or buy new clothes. So, capital should reach the poor people,’ Gadkari added.