Industry Experts Applaud Budget’s Focus on MSMEs, Skilling, and Economic Growth
The Union Budget 2024-2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has been well-received by industry leaders, particularly those in the MSME sector. The budget aims to bolster economic growth through strategic investments in employment, skilling, and support for small businesses. Industry experts have highlighted the significant positive impact these measures are expected to have on the overall economy and the MSME sector in particular.
Quote on MSMEs and Employment from Mr. Om Narayan Singh, Founder of Digital Gramin Seva, IMOC Digital Financial Services Private Limited
“I am thrilled to see the FY2024 budget presented by Financial Minister Nirmala Sitharaman which is wholly focused on employment, skilling, MSME, and the middle class to strengthen the poor, women, youth, and farmers. For employment and skilling, the government has allotted 2 lakh crore. The budget provided tech support for MSMEs by introducing credit guarantee schemes in which they will provide funds to the startups during their time of stress, which will eventually help the entrepreneurs grow even in their adversities. Along with this, another scheme has been announced, which is a self-financing guarantee fund. This scheme will operate on pooling the credit risks of such MSMEs. A separately constituted self-financing guarantee fund will provide each applicant with a guarantee of up to INR 100 crore, while the loan amount may be larger. Other than this, the limit of Mudra loans has been enhanced, earlier it was 10 lakh, which now has increased to 20 lakh rupees for those who have paid their previous loans under the Tarun Category. They want to promote ‘Vikaas bhi Virasat bhi’. To strengthen the startups, FM has announced SIDBI will open new branches to serve more MSMEs over the next three years, along with 24 new branches in FY25. The Finance Minister stated that rules and recognition for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) will be simplified to facilitate their inflow. This move aims to prioritize and promote the use of the Rupee for overseas investments.”
Quote on MSME Support from Mr. Karan Sehdev, Founder of Merch Matters
“I am overjoyed to see the government’s dedication to supporting small businesses like mine as an owner of an MSME. Our ability to dream large has increased thanks to the Atamnirbhar program, and the support of entrepreneurs has created new opportunities for growth and innovation. Our aspiration to become a major actor in the world has been neared by the Nation Corporation Policy.
Our compliance procedures have been made simpler by the convenience of EPFO participation, and our ability to assemble a skilled workforce has been aided by employer support and skill-building programs. The ‘Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi’ methodology has made it possible for us to advance while maintaining our heritage. Our financial load has decreased thanks to the tax relief, enabling us to increase our business investments. We will also experience a paradigm shift thanks to the MSME self-financing funds for guarantee, which give us access to loans of up to 100 crores.
The most encouraging thing, though, is the credit help at times of stress. It’s a safety net that will support us during any difficult financial times. These programs are appreciated, and I think they will help us move toward a better future. We are now an integral component of India’s development narrative rather than just little companies. We are grateful to the government for its support and for providing us the ability to soar.”
Quote on MSME Growth from Mr. Vishal Goenka, Co-Founder of IndiaBonds.com
“The budget demonstrated financial prudence with expected fiscal deficit target now 4.9% for FY24-25. This is constructive overall for the bond yields. The focus on infrastructure spending shall further increase issuance in infrastructure bonds. Listed bonds continue their favourable treatment for capital gains versus unlisted bonds and debt mutual funds.”
Mr. Ashish Saraf, VP and Country Director, Thales in India
“We applaud the government’s special emphasis on skilling, research and innovation, complementing the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, in the Union Budget 2024-25. The Budget’s commitment to skilling 20 lakh youth over the next five years through centrally sponsored schemes and the provision of skilling loans will pave the way for cultivating a strong and future-ready workforce. These measures will create pathways for youth to gain essential skills, enhancing employability. We also welcome the focus towards inclusive and holistic growth through a number of other announcements including employment-linked skilling schemes, internship opportunities to students in 500 top companies as well as the allocation of over ₹3 lakh crore to advance women’s roles. Another key aspect of the budget is the establishment of the Powering Innovation, R&D Anusandhan National Research Fund. This will indeed provide a boost to private sector-driven research and innovation leading to development of cutting-edge technologies in the country. We commend these visionary steps and are committed to supporting India in nurturing a highly skilled workforce and deep-tech innovations by leveraging our local and global expertise and experience.”