130 Synopsis At a recent outreach event in Coimbatore, micro and small enterprises urged the government to roll out MSME-specific credit cards — similar to Kisan Credit Cards — to address delayed payments and working capital challenges. Summary In a push to ease working capital constraints, micro and small enterprises in Coimbatore have requested the Union Government to introduce an MSME Credit Card facility. The demand was raised during a Regional Outreach Programme conducted by the MSME Development and Facilitation Office, where representatives from industrial clusters, banks, and government departments convened to address challenges faced by small businesses. Micro enterprises, in particular, highlighted persistent delays in payments and the high cost of short-term financing as major obstacles to sustainability and growth. They proposed the implementation of a credit card system—akin to the Kisan Credit Card used by farmers—to offer easier access to short-term funds with reduced paperwork and faster disbursement. Speakers at the event stressed that the MSME sector, especially informal and micro units, often face systemic barriers to formal credit. Despite schemes like Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) and CGTMSE, credit penetration among the smallest businesses remains low. An MSME Credit Card could act as a financial buffer during lean cycles and improve cash flow predictability, attendees argued. The programme also saw discussions on market access, vendor registration with PSUs, and digital skilling initiatives. Officials from the Coir Board, SIDBI, NSIC, and other institutions engaged with entrepreneurs and outlined government support schemes. As India pushes for higher MSME contribution to exports and GDP, financial inclusion for micro units is increasingly viewed as a critical enabler. The proposed credit card system could offer a more inclusive approach to working capital management for the smallest players in India’s industrial landscape. You Might Be Interested In Deepinder Goyal steps down as Eternal Group CEO to pursue high‑risk innovation Public sector banks sanction over ₹52,300 Cr in MSME loans via digital credit model RBI Eases Compliance for MSME Exporters on Small-Value Trade Cabinet approves ₹5,000 crore equity infusion into SIDBI to boost MSME credit — experts flag need for deeper reforms NITI Aayog proposes convergence of 18 MSME schemes — stakeholders stress need for simplicity and last-mile impact BIS fee concessions for MSMEs may continue till 2028
