Frequently Asked Question

No document required for MSME Registration / SSI Registration. Only information provided in Online Application Form is enough

Any entrepreneur having valid Aadhaar Number can apply for MSME Registration Online

In the interest of environment no physical copy of MSME Certificate will be issued. Government believes in paperless work

At present Aadhaar Number is mandatory for issuance of MSME Certificate

The Government of India has enacted the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006 in terms of which the definition of micro, small and medium enterprises is as under: Enterprises engaged in the manufacture or production, processing or preservation of goods as specified below:

  • A micro enterprise is an enterprise where investment in plant and machinery does not exceed Rs. 25 lakh
  • A small enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in plant and machinery is more than Rs. 25 lakh but does not exceed Rs. 5 crore
  • A medium enterprise is an enterprise where the investment in plant and machinery is more than Rs.5 crore but does not exceed Rs.10 crore

Ministry implements a scheme called Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) for technology upgradation of Micro and Small enterprises in the country. Under the scheme, 15 per cent capital subsidy, limited to maximum of Rs 15 lakh (12 % prior to 29.09.2005 limited to maximum of Rs 4.8 lakh) is provided to the eligible MSEs for upgrading their technology with the well-established and improved technology as approved under the scheme. 48 products/sub-sectors have been approved under the CLCSS till date. If you are an MSE manufacturing a product and want to upgrade the technology of manufacturing the product with the well-established and improved technology as approved under the Scheme, then you may have to approach to the nodal agencies/eligible financial institution for sanction of term loan for purchase of eligible machinery

The Ministry conducts various types of training programme through its various organisations for self employment as well as wage employment. The training programmes are primarily focused to promote self employment in the country. Thus all type of programmes have input which provide necessary information and skills to a trainee to enable him to establish his own micro or a small enterprises. The programmes include two week Entrepreneurship Development Prorgamme (EDP), Six Week Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP). One weak Management Development Prorgamme (MDP), One Day Industrial Motivation Campaign(IMC) etc. For Monitoring of the programme a web based system has been developed where coordinator of the programme is bound to feed all details of trainees including his photo and phone no. on the website. The same will be linked to the call centre of Ministry where real time feedback is obtained from trainees

Priority sector lending include only those sectors, as part of the priority sector that impact large sections of the population, the weaker sections and the sectors which are employment-intensive such as agriculture, and Micro and Small enterprises. Detailed guidelines on Priority sector lending are available in RBI Master Circular

Public sector banks have been advised to open at least one specialized branch in each district. The banks have been permitted to categorize their MSME general banking branches having 60% or more of their advances to MSME sector, as specialized MSME branches for providing better service to this sector as a whole. As per the policy package announced by the Government of India for stepping up credit to MSME sector, the public sector banks will ensure specialized MSME branches in identified clusters/centres with preponderance of small enterprises to enable the entrepreneurs to have easy access to the bank credit and to equip bank personnel to develop requisite expertise. Though their core competence will be utilized for extending finance and other services to MSME sector, they will have operational flexibility to extend finance/render other services to other sectors/borrowers

The banks have been advised by RBI to put in place loan policies governing extension of credit facilities for the MSE sector duly approved by their Board of Directors Vide RBI circular; Banks have, however, been advised to sanction limits after proper appraisal of the genuine working capital requirements of the borrowers keeping in mind their business cycle and short term credit requirement. As per Nayak Committee Report, working capital limits to SSI units is computed on the basis of minimum 20% of their estimated turnover up to credit limit of Rs.5crore. For more details paragraph 4.12.2 of the RBI Master Circular on lending to the MSME sector dated July 1, 2010 may please be seen

What is Cluster financing? Cluster based approach to lending is intended to provide a full-service approach to cater to the diverse needs of the MSE sector which may be achieved through extending banking services to recognized MSE clusters. A cluster based approach may be more beneficial (a)in dealing with well-defined and recognized groups (b) availability of appropriate information for risk assessment (c) monitoring by the lending institutions and (d) reduction in costs. The banks have, therefore, been advised to treat it as a thrust area and increasingly adopt the same for SME financing. United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) has identified 388 clusters spread over 21 states in various parts of the country. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has also approved a list of clusters under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) and Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) located in 121 Minority Concentration Districts. Accordingly, banks have been advised to take appropriate measures to improve the credit flow to the identified clusters. Banks have also been advised that they should open more MSE focused branch offices at different MSE clusters which can also act as counseling

With a view to facilitating credit flow to the MSME sector and enhancing the comfort-level of the lending institutions, the credit rating of MSME units done by reputed credit rating agencies and it should be encouraged. Banks are advised to consider these ratings as per availability and wherever appropriate structure their rates of interest depending on the ratings assigned to the borrowing SME units

As per the extant guidelines, a Micro or Small Enterprise (as defined in the MSMED Act 2006) may be said to have become Sick, if Any of the borrower account of the enterprise remains NPA for three months or more. OR There is erosion in the net worth due to accumulated losses to the extent of 50% of its net worth during the previous accounting year. This criterion enables banks to detect sickness at an early stage and facilitate corrective action for revival of the unit

As on March 2013 there are 2032 specialized MSME branches

A composite loan limit of Rs.1crore can be sanctioned by banks to enable the MSME entrepreneurs to avail of their working capital and term loan requirement through Single Window in terms of RBI Master Circular on lending to the MSME sector dated July 1, 2010. All scheduled commercial banks have been advised by our circular RPCD.SME&NFS. BC.No.102/06.04.01/2008-09 on May 4, 2009 that the banks which have sanctioned term loan singly or jointly must also sanction working capital (WC) limit singly (or jointly, in the ratio of term loan) to avoid delay in commencement of commercial production thereby ensuring that there are no cases where term loan has been sanctioned and working capital facilities are yet to be sanctioned. These instructions have been reiterated to schedule commercial banks on March 11, 2010

The National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) is the nodal programme of the Government to develop global competitiveness among Indian MSMEs. The Programme was initiated in 2007-08. This programme targets at enhancing the entire value chain of the MSME sector through the following schemes:

  • Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme for MSME
  • Promotion of Information & Communication Tools (ICT) in MSME sector
  • Technology and Quality Up gradation Support to MSMEs
  • Design Clinics scheme for MSMEs
  • Enabling Manufacturing Sector to be Competitive through Quality Management Standards (QMS) and Quality Technology Tools (QTT)
  • Marketing Assistance and Technology Up gradation Scheme for MSMEs
  • Setting up of Mini Tool Room under PPP Mode
  • National campaign for building awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
  • Support for Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development of SMEs through Incubators
  • Bar Code under Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme

he TEQUP scheme envisages another activity, namely, Product Quality Certification. The main objective of this scheme is to encourage MSMEs to Acquire Product Certification Licenses from National / International Bodies, thereby improving their competitiveness. The primary objective of this activity is to provide subsidy to MSME units towards the expenditure incurred by them for obtaining product certification licenses from National / International standardization Bodies. Under this Activity, MSME manufacturing units will be provided subsidy to the extent of 75% of the actual expenditure, towards licensing of product to National/International Standards. The maximum GOI assistance allowed per MSME is Rs.1.5 lakh for obtaining product licensing /Marking to National Standards and Rs. 2.0 lakh for obtaining product licensing /Marking to International standards. One MSME unit can apply only once under the scheme period

Under the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) Scheme, one component is “Enabling MSME manufacturing sector to be competitive through Quality Management Standards/Quality Technology Tools (QMS/QTT)” was initiated in the XIth Five year plan. The main objective of the scheme is to sensitize and encourage MSEs to adopt latest Quality Management Standards/Quality Technology Tools (QMS/QTT) and to keep a watch on sectoral developments by undertaking the stated activities. The major activities under the Scheme are as:

  • Introduction of appropriate course modules for technical institutions
  • Organizing awareness campaigns for micro & small enterprises
  • Organising competition–watch (c-watch)
  • Implementation of quality management standards and quality technology tools in selected micro & small enterprises
  • Monitoring international study missions

The Ministry implements the Support for Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development of SME’s Through Incubators”. The main purpose of the scheme is to nurture innovative business ideas (new/indigenous technology, processes, products, procedures, etc), which could be commercialized in a year. Under the Scheme, financial assistance between 75% to 85% of the project cost upto maximum of Rs. 8 lakh per idea/unit, provided to Business Incubators (BIs). The BIs are also eligible to avail Rs. 3.78 lakh for infrastructure and training expenses for incubating 10 ideas. Any individual or Micro and Small Industries (MSEs) that has innovative business idea at near commercialisation stage can approach the Business Incubators approved under the scheme. Under the scheme, various institutions like Engineering Colleges, Management Institutions, Research labs, etc. that have in-house incubation facilities and faculty for providing handholding support to new idea/entrepreneur can apply in the prescribed application form

Under the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP) to enhance the competitiveness of the SMEs sector, O/o DC(MSME) is implementing a scheme “Building Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)” for the MSME. The objective of the scheme is to enhance awareness of MSME about Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) to take measure for the protecting their ideas and business strategies. Accordingly, to enable the MSME sector to face the present challenges of liberalisation, various activities on IPR are being implemented under this scheme

The Ministry is implementing the Performance & Credit Rating Scheme, the main objective of the which is to provide a trusted third party opinion on the capabilities and creditworthiness of the MSEs so as to create awareness amongst them about the strengths and weakness of their existing operations. This is to provide them an opportunity to improve and enhance their organizational strengths and credit worthiness, so that they can access credit at cheaper rates and on easy terms. NSIC was appointed as nodal agency to implement the scheme on behalf of the Government. Rating under the scheme is being carried out through empanelled rating agencies i.e. Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited (CRISIL), Credit Analysis & Research Limited (CARE), Onicra Credit Rating Agency of India Ltd. (ONICRA), Small and Medium Enterprises Rating Agency of India Ltd. (SMERA), ICRA limited and Brickwork India Ratings. Under this Scheme, rating fee payable by the micro and small enterprises is subsidized for the first year only and that is subject to maximum of 75% of the fee or Rs. 40000/-, whichever is less

Under the International Cooperation Scheme, financial assistance is provided on reimbursement basis to the State/Central Government organizations, industries/enterprises Associations and registered societies/trusts and organizations associated with MSME for deputation of MSME business delegation to other countries for exploring new areas of MSMEs, participation by Indian MSMEs in international exhibitions, trade fairs, buyer seller meet and for holding international conference and seminars which are in the interest of MSME sectors. Eligible beneficiary organizations can apply to the Ministry directly to avail the assistance under IC Scheme as per Scheme Guidelines

Scheduled commercial banks have been advised in terms of our circular RPCD.SME&NFS. BC.No.102/06.04.01/2008-09 dated May 4, 2009 to put in place a non -discretionary One time Settlement scheme duly approved by their Boards. The banks have also been advised to give adequate publicity to their OTS policies

After filing online msme application form, MSME Registration Certificate will be issued immediately at email

Every application will be approved. No application will be rejected. Application will be approved on the basis of information provided by applicant

There is no difference between MSME Registration and SSI Registration. Earlier MSME Registration was know as SSI Registration

The Ministry of MSME, Government of India and SIDBI set up the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) with a view to facilitate flow of credit to the MSE sector without the need for collaterals/ third party guarantees. The main objective of the scheme is that the lender should give importance to project viability and secure the credit facility purely on the primary security of the assets financed. The Credit Guarantee scheme (CGS) seeks to reassure the lender that, in the event of an MSE unit, which availed collateral- free credit facilities, fails to discharge its liabilities to the lender, the Guarantee Trust would make good the loss incurred by the lender up to 85 % of the outstanding amount in default

The Ministry is implementing the Micro and Small Enterprises – Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP) wherein support is provided for Diagnostic Study; Soft Interventions like general awareness, counseling, motivation and trust building, exposure visits, market development including exports, participation in seminars, workshops and training programmes on technology upgradaion etc; Hard Interventions like setting up of Common Facility Centers (Common Production/Processing Centre, Design Centre, Testing Centre etc.) and creation/upgradation of infrastructural facilities in the new/existing industrial areas/ clusters of MSEs

Tool Rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery & equipment. They are engaged in designing and manufacturing of quality tools, which are necessary for producing quality products, and improve the competitiveness of MSMEs in national and international markets. They also conduct training programmes to provide skilled manpower to industries specially MSMEs. The placement of trainees trained in Tool Room is more than 90%. There are 18 Autonomous Bodies (10 MSME Tool Rooms and 8 Technology Development Centres) under DC (MSME)

In terms of RBI circular, banks are mandated not to accept collateral security in the case of loans upto Rs 10 lakh extended to units in the MSE sector. Further banks may, on the basis of good track record and financial position of MSE units, increase the limit of dispensation of collateral requirement for loans up to Rs.25 lakh with the approval of the appropriate authority

The Ministry is implementing the ISO: 9001/14001/HACCP Certification Reimbursement Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises (MSEs) for reimbursement of certification expenses, only to those MSEs which have acquired Quality Management Systems (QMS)/ISO 9001 and /or Environment Management Systems (EMS)/ ISO14001and / or Food Safety Systems (HACCP) Certification. Under the scheme provides reimbursement of 75% of the certification expenses up to a maximum of Rs.75,000/- (Rupees seventy five thousand only) to each unit as one-time reimbursement only to those MSEs which have acquired Quality Management Systems (QMS)/ISO 9001 and /or Environment Management Systems (EMS)/ ISO14001and / or Food Safety Systems (HACCP) Certification

The Ministry is implementing the Assisting to Training Institutions Scheme which envisages financial assistance for establishment of new institutions (EDIs), strengthening the infrastructure of the existing EDIs and for supporting entrepreneurship and skill development activities. The main objectives of the scheme are development of indigenous entrepreneurship from all walks of life for developing new micro and small enterprises, enlarging the entrepreneurial base and encouraging self-employment in rural as well as urban areas, by providing training to first generation entrepreneurs and assisting them in setting up of enterprises. The assistance shall be provided to these training institutions in the form of capital grant for creation/strengthening of infrastructure and programme support for conducting entrepreneurship development and skill development programmes

Are there any targets prescribed for lending by banks to MSMEs? As per extant policy, certain targets have been prescribed for banks for lending to the Micro and Small enterprise (MSE) sector. In terms of the recommendations of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on MSMEs banks have been advised to achieve a 20 per cent year-on-year growth in credit to micro and small enterprises, a 10 per cent annual growth in the number of micro enterprise accounts and 60% of total lending to MSE sector as on preceding March 31st to Micro enterprises. In order to ensure that sufficient credit is available to micro enterprises within the MSE sector, banks should ensure that: 40 per cent of the total advances to MSE sector should go to micro (manufacturing) enterprises having investment in plant and machinery up to Rs. 10 lakh and micro (service) enterprises having investment in equipment up to Rs. 4 lakh ; 20 per cent of the total advances to MSE sector should go to micro (manufacturing) enterprises with investment in plant and machinery above Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 25 lakh, and micro (service) enterprises with investment in equipment above Rs. 4 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakh. Thus, 60 per cent of MSE advances should go to the micro enterprises

Credit rating is not mandatory but it is in the interest of the MSE borrowers to get their credit rating done as it would help in credit pricing that is cost of funds (interest and other charges etc.) of the loans taken by them from banks

A viable/potentially viable unit may apply for a debt restructuring if it shows early stage of stickiness. In such cases the banks may consider to reschedule the debt for repayment, consider additional funds etc. A debt restructuring mechanism for units in MSME sector has been formulated and advised to all commercial banks. The detailed guidelines have been issued to ensure restructuring of debt of all eligible small and medium enterprises. Prudential guidelines on restructuring of advances have also been issued which harmony the prudential norms over all categories of debt restructuring mechanisms (other than those restructured on account of natural calamities)

No. If a sick unit is found potentially viable it can be rehabilitated by the banks. The viability of the unit is decided by banks. A unit should be declared unviable only if such a status is evidenced by a viability study

The decision on viability of the unit should be taken at the earliest but not later than 3 months of the unit becoming sick under any circumstances. The following procedure should be adopted by the banks before declaring any unit as unviable: A unit should be declared unviable only if the viability status is evidenced by a viability study. However, it may not be feasible to conduct viability study in very small units and will only increase paperwork. As such for micro (manufacturing) enterprises, having investment in plant and machinery up to Rs. 5 lakh and micro (service) enterprises having investment in equipment up to Rs. 2 lakh, the Branch Manager may take a decision on viability and record the same, along with the justification. The declaration of the unit as unviable, as evidenced by the viability study, should have the approval of the next higher authority/ present sanctioning authority for both micro and small units. In case such a unit is declared unviable, an opportunity should be given to the unit to present the case before the next higher authority. The modalities for presenting the case to the next higher authority may be worked out by the banks in terms of their Board approved policies in this regard The next higher authority should take such decision only after giving an opportunity to the promoters of the unit to present their case. For sick units declared unviable, with credit facilities of Rs. 1 crore and above, a Committee approach may be adopted. A Committee comprising of senior officials of the bank may examine such proposals. This is expected to improve the quality of decisions as collective wisdom of the members shall be utilized, especially while taking decision on rehabilitation proposals. The final decision should be communicated to the promoters in writing. The above process should be completed in a time bound manner and should not take more than 3 months
   

The Ministry implements the “Technology and Quality Upgradation Support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (TEQUP)” which focuses on two important aspects, namely, enhancing competitiveness of MSME sector through Energy Efficiency and Product Quality Certification. The basic objective of this scheme is to encourage MSMEs in adopting energy efficient technologies and to improve product quality of manufacturing in MSMEs. It is a well-known fact that energy consumption is a significant component in the cost structure of almost any manufacturing/ production activity. Adopting energy efficient technologies curtails the cost of energy there by reducing production cost and increasing competitiveness. Under this scheme, a capital subsidy of 25% of the project cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 10.00 lakh shall be provided to the registered MSME units. While 25% of the project cost will be provided as subsidy by the Government of India, the balance amount is to be funded through loan from SIDBI/banks/financial institutions. The minimum contribution as required by the funding agency will have to be made by the MSME unit

The Ministry implements the Design Clinic Scheme for Design Expertise to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector is to improve the design of the product to meet global challenges and compete with similar products domestically and internationally. It is launched to benefit MSMEs by creating a dynamic platform to provide expert solutions to real time Design problems and add value to existing products. The goal of this scheme is to help MSME manufacturing industries move up the value chain by switching the production mode from original equipment manufacturing to original design manufacturing and hence original brand manufacturing. In the Design Clinic scheme, the value additions to an idea or a concept are imparted through interaction at a lesser cost to a specific industry/sector. The expected outcome of such interventions is new product development by design improvement and value addition for existing products

The Ministry implements the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) scheme to encourage and assist Indian MSMEs to adopt ICT Tools and Applications in their production and business processes, and thereby improve their productivity and competitiveness in National and International Market

The Ministry implements the Marketing Assistance scheme through National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) Limited for providing marketing support to MSMEs. The main objectives of the scheme is to enhance the marketing competitiveness of MSMEs; to provide them a platform for interaction with the individual/institutional buyers; to update them with prevalent market scenario and to provide them a form for redressing their problems. MSMEs are supported under the Scheme for capturing the new market opportunities through organising/ participating in various domestic & international exhibitions/ trade fairs, Buyer-Seller meets intensive-campaigns and other marketing events

As part of the financial sector liberalization, all credit related matters of banks including charging of interest have been deregulated by RBI and are governed by the banks' own lending policies. With a view to enhancing transparency in lending rates of banks and enabling better assessment of transmission of monetary policy, all scheduled commercial banks had been advised in terms of RBI circular; DBOD.No.Dir.BC.88/13.03.00/2009-10on April 9, 2010 to introduce the Base Rate system w.e.f. July 1, 2010. Accordingly, the Base Rate System has replaced the BPLR (Bank’s prime Lending Rate) system with effect from July 1, 2010. All categories of loans should henceforth be priced only with reference to the Base Rate

Viable / potentially viable MSE units/enterprises, which turn sick in spite of debt re-structuring, would need to be rehabilitated and put under nursing. It will be for the banks/financial institutions to decide whether a sick MSE unit is potentially viable or not. The rehabilitation package should be fully implemented by banks within six months from the date the unit is declared as potentially viable/viable. During this six months period of identifying and implementing rehabilitation package banks/FIs are required to do “holding operation” which will allow the sick unit to draw funds from the cash credit account at least to the extent of deposit of sale proceeds

With the enactment of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED), Act 2006, for the goods and services supplied by the MSEME units, payments have to be made by the buyers as under: The buyer is to make payment on or before the date agreed on between him and the supplier in writing or, in case of no agreement, before the appointed day. The agreement between seller and buyer shall not exceed more than 45 days. If the buyer fails to make payment of the amount to the supplier, he shall be liable to pay compound interest with monthly rests to the supplier on the amount from the appointed day or, on the date agreed on, at three times of the Bank Rate notified by Reserve Bank. For any goods supplied or services rendered by the supplier, the buyer shall be liable to pay the interest as advised at above. In case of dispute with regard to any amount due, a reference shall be made to the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council, constituted by the respective State Government. To take care of the payment obligations of large corporate borrowers to MSEs, banks have been advised that while sanctioning/renewing credit limits to their large corporate borrowers (i.e. borrowers enjoying working capital limits of Rs. 10 crore and above from the banking system), to fix separate sub-limits, within the overall limits, specifically for meeting payment obligations in respect of purchases from MSEs either on cash basis or on bill basis. Banks are also advised by RBI to closely monitor the operations in the sub-limits, particularly with reference to their corporate borrowers’ dues to MSE units by ascertaining periodically from their corporate borrowers, the extent of their dues to MSE suppliers and ensuring that the corporate pay off such dues before the ‘appointed day’ /agreed date by using the balance available in the sub-limit so created