Hyderabad, Oct 4 (KNN) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Dun & Bradstreet, provider of business decision data and analytics have partnered to dedicate a SIDBI -D&B Sustainability Perception Index (SIDBI – D&B SPeX) for MSMEs.

A MOU has been signed to create the customised index which will be presented as a quantitative measurement for policy makers and enablers to nudge businesses towards adopting an ESG framework in their business strategy over the coming years.

To be released every quarter, the survey will capture the sentiment of businesses on various business parameters that, when analysed at an aggregate level, will provide valuable insights on adoption of an ESG framework, said a press release.

SIDBI – D&B SPeX will also capture feedback on specific events and policies. Later it is planned to cover the sectoral and sub sectoral perceptions/aspirations & preparedness where the sectoral enterprises can track themselves in regard to improvement on ESG.

The survey will cover the views of the respondents about the preceding quarter and the outlook for the upcoming quarter.

It will help analyse the changing sentiment over a six-month period. It will also capture information on critical events that have an impact on MSMEs.

The SIDBI-D&B Sustainability Perception Index was launched in Coimbatore in the presence of Industries Commissioner and Director Industries and Commence, Government of Tamil Nadu, CMD of SIDBI, and MD of D&B. 

Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman and Managing Director of SIDBI said,” ESG related compliances will emerge essential in coming days and a must compliance to remain competitive in global world. The SIDBI- D&B SPeX will help to gauge the understanding of sustainability within the sector.”

Sigy Thomas Vaidhyan, Industries Commissioner & Director of Industries & Commerce, GoTN welcomed SIDBI’s attention on Greening the finance for MSMEs.

In her remark, in view of several programs being run by central & state government for MSMEs, she hoped that a new category of ‘Platinum’ should be created under ZED program beside already having Bronze, Gold, Silver category.  (KNN Bureau)