CONTENTS
- Self-Reliant India Fund
- MSME Card
Self-Reliant India Fund
Context:
Recently, the Minister of State for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises provided valuable insights into the Self Reliant India Fund during a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Relevance:
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund: Boosting MSME Growth and Innovation
- Objectives of the SRI Fund
- Composition of the SRI Fund
Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund: Boosting MSME Growth and Innovation
- The Indian government introduced the Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, allocating Rs. 50,000 crores for equity infusion in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- The fund operates with a mother-fund and daughter-fund structure, with the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL) designated as the Mother Fund for implementation.
Objectives of the SRI Fund:
- Provide equity funding to viable and high-potential MSMEs, facilitating their growth and transformation into larger enterprises.
- Strengthen the MSME sector’s contribution to the Indian economy by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness.
- Create a conducive environment for technological upgradation, research and development, and enhanced market access for MSMEs.
Composition of the SRI Fund:
- The SRI Fund, with a total of Rs. 50,000 crores, is structured as follows:
- Rs. 10,000 Crore allocated by the Government of India for initiating equity infusion in selected MSMEs.
- Rs. 40,000 Crore sourced through Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) funds, leveraging the expertise and investment of the private sector.
MSME Card
Context:
Recently, the Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), in association with the National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) had launched the MSME RuPay Credit Card on a pilot basis, pan-India for Udyam registered MSMEs.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
MSME RuPay Credit Card:
- The MSME RuPay Credit Card is designed to provide a simplified payment mechanism to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for their business-related operational expenses.
- This card allows MSMEs to make digital payments, pay utility bills, taxes, and other statutory payments conveniently.
Interest-Free Credit Period:
- MSME borrowers using the RuPay Credit Card can benefit from an interest-free credit period for their business spending, subject to the policies set by the issuing bank.
- This feature allows MSMEs to manage their cash flow more effectively and meet their financial needs without incurring immediate interest charges.
NPCI – National Payments Corporation of India:
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is an umbrella organization responsible for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India.
- It was established as a joint initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- NPCI’s primary goal is to create a robust and efficient Payment & Settlement Infrastructure in India, facilitating secure and seamless electronic transactions for various payment services.
