Recommendations

Published on January 2017 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 25 | Comments: 0 | Views: 324
of 23
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

10. SUMMARY OF MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS & ACTION POINTS
With increasing competition, introduction of new products and stringent regulatory environment, the role of banks has also changed from mere lenders to partners in business. This transformation has been muted in underdeveloped/ developing countries but has been more pronounced in developed nations. There is a need for greater participation of banks in the affairs of their constituents by convergence of credit services and non credit services. The banks should not only provide differentiated products for MSMEs, but also provide counselling & guidance to new and established businesses, marketing support etc. Similarly the Government and other institutions entrusted with development of the MSME sector need to imbibe professional approach in their working so that the credit function being discharged by the banks is adequately supplemented by their non credit functions. The focus of these institutions has to be on providing the enabling environment, infrastructure and forward & backward linkages. The major suggestions of the Group and a brief rationale for them have been given hereunder. The detailed analysis is given at the relevant paras mentioned in brackets at the end of each recommendation.

A.

FLOW OF FUNDS
i. In order to cut delay, simplify procedures and obviate the need to take help of professionals in preparing data / report, we suggest as under a. At present small and medium enterprises have to spend a lot of time and money for preparing techno economic viability/feasibility study report. To obviate the need for such study and in order to make the process of sanction of project loans for small enterprises commonly prevailing in the area simple and easy, we propose that the following system be introduced. (Para 3.6.1) The niche industry or the activities having good concentration in the area may be identified by the banks and DIC. The model cost of project for different sizes of commonly prevailing industry and overall viability of the activity may be assessed by a Committee comprising of 2-3 major banks of the District under the aegis of Lead Bank so as to obviate the need of any expert/professional to prepare TEV study in individual cases. The exercise may be carried out periodically after considering the price of machinery and other fixed assets required, sources of raw material, technical expertise and skilled labour availability, access to market etc. DIC may also be associated with the process. Small entrepreneurs may use these project profiles and not take help from professionals in preparation of time consuming and costly TEV study/viability report. While financing, banks should also not go for TEV study in individual cases. To begin with, this practice may be started for projects requiring terms loan upto Rs.1 crore. At a later stage, this may be raised to Rs.2 crores after a review. Cash losses that may be incurred in the initial period, interest during construction period and provisions for contingency should invariably be included in the cost of project. Instalments may be fixed based on cash flows, and may be staggered or ballooning also.

ii.

Sufficient delegation of powers for sanction/rehabilitation of SMEs should be made at the field level. The credit needs of all micro enterprises should be met by a Branch Manager of a scale II branch. b. At present, banks seek projected Profit and Loss Account, Balance Sheet, Fund Flow/Cash Flow on the pattern of CAS/CMA data as recommended by Tandon/Chore Committee. This requires engaging the services of professionals which the small enterprises cannot afford. There is a need that the Nayak Committee norms are implemented without exception. Banks should issue clear cut guidelines to their branches that CMA data or Operating Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow etc is not necessary for WC limits upto Rs. 5 crores in the MSE sector. (Para 3.6.2) c. Lack of transparency in the financial data and the inherent weakness of small enterprises make the process of rating difficult in MSMEs. There has been a general complaint that the complex procedures of the banks lead to delay in sanction. Rating may further complicate and therefore delay the sanctioning process. Basel II norms permit use of scoring models for loans upto Rs. 5 crores. We suggest that lending in case of all advances upto Rs 2 crores should be done on the basis of scoring model. Information required for scoring model should be incorporated in the application form itself. No individual risk rating is required in such cases. (Para 3.6.3 a) d. Banks may be encouraged to start Central Registration of loan applications. The same technology may be used for online submission of loan applications as also for online tracking of loan applications. A discount of 20% on processing fees may be given for online applications. (Para 3.6.3 b) e. The application forms, especially for other than very small loans, may be so designed that all documents required to be executed by the borrower on sanction of the loan form its part. The form could be in the form of a booklet. The forms should invariably have a Checklist of the documents required to be submitted by the applicant along with the application and the formalities required to be completed post sanction. (Para 3.6.3 c) f. In case of all micro enterprises, simplified application cum sanction form (which should also be printed in regional language) be introduced for loans upto Rs 1 crore and working capital under Nayak Committee norms, on the pattern of simplified format of SARAL in Income Tax. No other information/ annexure/ report should be sought. (Para 3.6.3 d) g. A Web Based Central Loan Registry may be created to provide the details of loan seekers and loan providers and enabling match making for speedy delivery and appropriate pricing. Loan seekers may put the basic information on their project, business plans etc on the online system and the bankers linked to the registry and desirous of funding it can advise the loan seeker about their interest. It shall act as National Loan Data Center for entrepreneurs and bankers. (Para 3.6.3 e) In terms of the Nayak Committee norms, the banks are required to provide minimum 20% of the turnover to the business enterprises as bank finance and 5% is to be obtained as margin. This translates into a current ratio of 1.25. However, the guidelines of banks, the rating models etc provide for a current ratio of 1.33. RBI may issue necessary clarification that a current ratio of 1.25 is acceptable in accounts where bank finance is provided under Nayak Committee norms. (Para 3.15)

iii.

iv.

The bank branches are burdened with a number of activities like agriculture loans, recovery, deposit mobilisation etc. Very often they are not in position to take decision on loan application of SMEs. In order to ensure that expeditious decision is taken on the credit requirement of small and medium enterprises, Centralised Credit Processing Cell should be introduced. These Cells may be utilized for single point appraisal, sanction, documentation, renewal and enhancement. The arrangement is expected to help by way of reduction in delay and multiple queries, utilization of the talent available to the banks in an optimal fashion besides building reliable MIS, developing fair practices and easier tracking. Initially, the CPCs may be setup at each Regional Office of each bank. It may further be set up in recognised clusters also. The working of Centralised Processing Cell should be reviewed by the controlling office of the bank. CPC should act as the back office of the bank. (Para 3.9) Committee Approach may be introduced for sanction of new loans as also rehabilitation cases. This will not only improve the quality of decision as collective wisdom of the members shall be utilised, but also alleviate the fears of the bankers as regards the accountability issues that play heavily on the minds of the bankers while taking a decision on loan application for green-field projects in the micro, small and medium enterprise sector or the rehabilitation proposals. (Para 3.10) The rate of interest on loans should be completely deregulated and should be determined by the lenders based on the competitive market forces. Any reduction in the rates of interest for micro, small and medium enterprises is not warranted at this stage. (Para 3.11) The banks may be encouraged to accept interchangeability of margin and collateral so as to enable the borrowers having poor liquidity to provide additional collateral without inducting funds and the banks accordingly reducing the margin. RBI may consider raising the limit of compulsorily collateral free loans from Rs 5 lacs to Rs 10 lacs incentivised by 80% coverage under CGTMSE. (Para 3.12, 3.13) At present, SME units which have been incorporated as a company have to follow the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account and other disclosures in the format prescribed in Schedule VI of Companies Act. They are also required to follow the accounting standards as prescribed by ICAI for large corporates. As Government has already set up a committee for amendment of Companies’ Act, it is felt that the revised Companies’ Act should prescribe simplified disclosures norms and ICAI should come out with simplified account standards for SMEs. Alternatively, exemption from certain disclosures and relaxation from certain procedures/ compliances in Accounting Standards may be allowed. (Para 3.18) The banks should consider a combined level of stock and receivables and no separate sub limit for debtors should be fixed. Banks should allow CC/OD against stock and receivables under one facility only. (Para 3.14) In order to avoid incidence of sickness at the initial stage of setting up of the unit, the Group suggests that a. SFCs should, as an interim measure, invariably sanction working capital while extending term loan to any unit, if not already tied up. b. The term loan component may be assessed as per the procedure suggested above and working capital under Nayak Committee norms. c. Pooling of security of term lenders and WC lenders may be considered. (Para 3.7)

v.

vi.

vii.

viii.

ix.

x.

xi.

xii. xiii.

xiv.

xv.

xvi.

Banks who have sanctioned term loan singly or jointly must also sanction WC limit singly (or jointly, in the ratio of term loan) to avoid delay in commencement of commercial production. A review may be done by all banks and it may be ensured that there should be no case where term loan has been sanctioned and working capital facilities are yet to be sanctioned.(Para 3.8) Interest of at least 6 months after commercial production be included as a part of the project cost. Sufficient moratorium for repayment of the principal should also be given. (Para 3.16) Audited accounts may not be insisted upon by the banks from micro enterprises whose turnover is less than Rs 40 lacs. (Para 3.17) Banks may develop appropriate Credit Appraisal and Rating Tool (CART) on the pattern of software developed by SIDBI or can take the help of such tools developed by SIDBI for loan/working capital facilities to small and medium enterprises. (Para 3.19) The banks may focus on opening more specialised micro, small and medium enterprise branches. The expansion of specialised branch network in all identified clusters and Industrial Estates should be completed in a time bound manner say within next 3-5 years. An appropriate mechanism for reviewing and overseeing development of MSME sector may also be put in place. (Para 3.20 b) The available data shows that the focus of the banks has been more on urban and metropolitan areas, the larger borrowers and corporate & retail accounts. The census also reveals that 3% small enterprises availed financial institutions from non-institutional sources as against 5% from the institutional sources. In order to bring these 3% small enterprises into the formal banking fold, we suggest that RBI may formulate model guidelines for the banks for providing replacement debt to MSMEs and based on the same, individual banks may formulate their own schemes. (Para 3.20c) There should be a Central Registry for registration of charges of all banks and other lending institutions in respect of all moveable and immovable properties of borrowers incorporated as proprietorship, partnership, cooperative society, trust, company or in any other form. (Para 3.20d) The banks should use the platform provided by the technical institutions and send their staff to such institutions on a regular basis. Training is also required to be imparted to the branch managers and their loan officers for change in their mindset away from the perceived risk in financing MSMEs. A system of incentives for good performance in financing to MSMEs may be implemented, which may be by way of special mention in the Performance Appraisal, special training etc. (Para 3.20 a)

xvii.

NEW FINANCIAL PRODUCTS/ SERVICES
xviii. A single facility against stock and receivables has been suggested by us to take care of liquidity problems arising out of blocked receivables. In case the lenders find it difficult to implement, banks may consider sanctioning 50% of the working capital as post sales limit. Cash Credit (Book Debt) may be provided at a lower margin of say not more than 30%. In case of bill discounting/factoring also, margin may be reduced. (Para 3.21 a)

xix.

xx.

xxi.

xxii.

Although two public sector banks have set up separate subsidiaries for taking up factoring activity and a few private sector banks are engaged in factoring, we propose that all banks may take up factoring activity themselves, particularly for MSMEs. At present there is no separate Act governing the Factoring services. There is a need to bring change in the legislative environment for making the process easier. To encourage the banks to take up factoring for micro and small enterprises, the following steps may be considered. a. Refinance at concessional rates from SIDBI/RBI may be introduced. b. Bringing in appropriate legislation for factoring. c. Stamp duty is payable on assignment of actionable claims. Modification in these provisions for factors by way of exemption or prescribing a ceiling on the stamp duty would give impetus to the activity. (Para 3.21 b) An Exchange with focus on SMEs on relaxed listing requirements may be set up at the earliest, preferably with the involvement of NSE (the trading partner) and SIDBI (SME focal point). SEBI should come out with simplified disclosure and listing norms for IPO and cost effective norms for publication/ declaration, so as to enable the SMEs to come out with IPO at an affordable cost and within a reasonable time. (Para 3.21 c) Securitisation of SME advances needs to be encouraged as the same shall provide a market for lenders active in rural and semi urban areas to market them to foreign and private banks. (Para 3.21 d) Government has proposed setting up of two Funds of Rs 2000 crores each with SIDBI for risk capital financing and for enhancing the refinancing capability of MSME sector. a. We propose that another independent Rehabilitation Fund may be created for rehabilitation of sick micro, small and medium enterprises as it has been observed that rehabilitation of sick SMEs could not be taken up due to non availability of promoters’ contribution in a large number of cases. The fund may have a corpus of Rs 1000 crores. While 75% of the corpus could be earmarked for assisting the micro and small enterprises, balance could be utilized for assisting medium enterprises. The fund could go a long way in rehabilitation of sick micro and small enterprises. This fund may be utilized for providing soft loan at a concessional rate of interest, say 5-6%/ quasi equity upto 50% of the required promoters’ contribution subject to a maximum of Rs 75 lacs. (Para 3.21 e (i)) b. Similarly, another fund may be created for contributing to the margin required to be brought in by the promoters of units taking up technological upgradation. This assistance may be provided in the form of a soft loan/ quasi equity/ equity. (Para 3.21 e (ii)) c. In order to encourage MSME units to market their products it will be desirable to set up a Marketing Development Fund which could interalia be used for providing financial assistance in setting up distribution and marketing infrastructure/ outlets. This can also contribute resources to institutions organising exhibitions etc at various level. (Para 3.21 e (iii)) d. National Equity Fund Scheme should be restarted. This fund could be utilized for green field or expansion projects. This fund may be operated through banks on risk sharing basis. The NEF contribution in the form of soft loan may be restricted to 15% of the project cost for micro enterprises and 10% for small enterprises. At least 30% of the funds may be earmarked for micro enterprises. (Para 3.21 e (iv))

xxiii.

e. In order to encourage the entrepreneurs to innovate new ideas, it is necessary that venture capital/ mezzanine finance should be encouraged. There should be a separate fund with the umbrella organisation (suggested in the report)/ SIDBI which should help venture capital funds in meeting the finance requirements of small enterprises by way of equity/ mezzanine finance/ soft loan etc. (Para 3.21 e (v)) f. As an incentive for proper restructuring package at the time of rehabilitation necessary support for business restructuring, modernisation, expansion, diversification and technological upgradation as may be felt necessary by the lenders may also be encouraged. Support of schemes like Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (for units in other than rural areas) and KVIC Margin Money Scheme (for units in rural areas) may be extended for rehabilitation packages also. (Para 3.21 e (vi)) State Financial Corporations have contributed to the development of SSI sector. Positive results have also emerged from the efforts for their revival. However, there are concerns in putting back these Corporations on a sustainable scale of operations. Recognising their contribution to industrialization of the respective regions and having regard to the potential of these Corporations, GOI may direct the respective State Governments to provide a one time financial support for recapitalization of viable SFCs. Those SFCs which are found unviable may be allowed to wind up their operations and the State Governments should settle the creditors/lenders. (Para 3.22)

B. FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND MICRO ENTERPRISES
The Third Census of Small Enterprises 2001-02 amply brought out the extremely high financial exclusion in the micro, small and medium enterprise sector. As per the Census 99.5% of the total small enterprises and 99.9% of the unregistered small enterprises were tiny industries (micro enterprises as per the new definition). While only 4.55% of the total small enterprises had outstanding loans from institutional sources as on 31-03-2002, for the unregistered sector it was only 3.09%. Subsequent interventions by the Government and RBI would have improved the scenario, but much more is still required to be done to improve the delievery points for credit in quantity and quality, especially in rural and semiurban areas. i. The Government, in its policy package of 2005, mentioned that each semi urban/urban branch of the commercial banks (including regional rural banks) should provide credit cover on an average to at least 5 new tiny, small and medium enterprises per year. It is suggested that the banks may set higher targets so that they may finance at an average of at least 10 accounts per semi-urban/ urban branch per year. New branches or branches in residential areas may not be able to achieve this growth and therefore other branches would have to fill in the gap to achieve the targets. (Para 4.15) ii. RBI may consider permitting the public sector banks to use Micro Finance Institutions as business correspondents/ facilitators to scout for business, in micro enterprises sector only in identified excluded rural and semi urban areas. The banks may encourage these business correspondents especially in backward areas by equity participation, loans on concessional rates and other similar measures. Further, infrastructure at EDCs may be utilised for identification of the weaknesses and the areas for capacity building of the MFIs and the target clientele. (Para 4.11)

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

vii.

In rural and semi-urban areas, RRBs and cooperative banks need to play a more active role in the development of micro, small and medium enterprises. RBI may encourage RRBs and cooperative banks to take up micro, small and medium enterprise financing in a big way. However, the officers and staff of these banks posted in the branches have little knowledge of micro, small and medium enterprise financing and proper training needs to be imparted to them. NABARD may be requested for providing the necessary training and infrastructure for the same. The encouragement may also be given by way of refinance of SME loans on softer terms. (Para 4.7) The Group endorses the draft recommendations of Raghuram Rajan Panel for setting up of small finance banks that may reach out to the poorer sections and small & medium enterprises. For inclusive growth, the banks shall have to reach out to its constituents physically, for which the banks shall have to introduce innovative ways like use of draught animals or barefoot banking. Such radical approach shall have to be backed by technology, so that all services normally used by such remote constituents are made available right at their doorstep. (Para 4.8, 4.9) We suggest that a scheme for utilising specified NGOs for providing the following services to tiny micro enterprises may be launched by the Government. a. Training in basic accounting principles and credit management b. Training on marketing, technology, design development, packaging, quality control etc c. Creation and development of institutions of borrowers like cooperatives etc d. Participation in exhibitions and marketing fairs e. Development of common facilities for a group f. Providing financial assistance for infrastructure creation In order to enable the NGOs to discharge the above duties, grant equivalent to 25% of the cost of the project or Rs. 5 lakhs, whichever is lower may be provided by the Government. Ministry of MSMEs has launched a schemed titled “Trade Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development” for women, wherein it, inter-alia provides a grant upto Rs. 1 lakh per programme. This provision may be extended to cover the training programmes proposed above. (Para 4.10) As micro enterprises have small entry barriers, their financial strength is very poor. They work on thin margins and are therefore susceptible to even minor changes in the working environment. In order to provide credit enhancement to the lenders without adversely affecting the liquidity of the enterprises, Government may explore the possibility of bearing the entire credit guarantee fees payable to Credit Guarantee Trust for all micro enterprises. (Para 4.13) As per the extant RBI guidelines, banks are required to provide at least 40% of their total SSI advances to micro enterprises having investment of Rs 5 lacs or less and 20% to units with investment in plant and machinery between Rs 5 lacs and Rs 25 lacs, thus making it 60% for micro enterprises. The data reveals that the banks have not been achieving these targets. Our study on flow of funds to small enterprises sector reveals that there is a need to focus on finance to micro enterprises in North Eastern Region, hilly areas and other backward areas. A stricter regime of monitoring of achievement of targets at the level of banks and RBI is suggested so as to ensure adequate flow of credit to the smaller units. Similarly more focus is required

viii.

to be given to these backward areas in case of rehabilitation also. In view of the lower than stipulated achievement of targets for advances to micro enterprises and tiny micro enterprises as a percentage of advances to MSEs, we suggest that RBI may come out with revised guidelines, wherein the target for advances to micro and tiny micro enterprises may be retained at the existing levels but the banks may be given a timeframe of say 5 years to achieve the targets in a graded fashion. On the lines of contribution to RIDF, the banks not achieving the graded targets may be required to provide funds equivalent to the shortfall to SIDBI for creation of a fund exclusively for micro enterprises. This fund may be utilised for refinance to the lenders against their lending to micro enterprises at bank rate or for financing infrastructure for micro enterprises. (Para 4.5) The incidence of sickness in small enterprises is double of that prevailing in the banking system as a whole. This makes the lenders averse to lending to the sector. There is a need for strengthening the risk taking capability of banks, especially for micro enterprises. We suggest that the risk coverage under CGTMSE may be raised to 80% for all micro enterprises. (Para 4.14)

C.

DEVELOPMENT OF BACKWARD AND FORWARD LINKAGES

Small scale industry works in a universe of stringent regulatory environment, erratic power supply, non availability of raw material at reasonable prices, tough competition from imported goods and products of large corporates enjoying economies of scale, tough norms on pollution control, delayed realisation of receivables etc besides the risk-averse mindset of the banks. Small enterprises are the most vulnerable sections of Industry which need systemic support from the government and other agencies. Therefore, other institutions entrusted with development of the MSME sector need to imbibe professional approach in their working so that the credit function being discharged by the banks is adequately supplemented by the non credit functions of the Government agencies and other institutions. The banks should not only provide differentiated products for MSMEs, but also provide counseling and guidance to new and established businesses, marketing support etc. i. SETTING UP OF CREDIT COUNSELLING CENTRES On the initiative of RBI, some banks have set up Credit Counselling Centres which offer free counselling on curative measures mainly to farmers or retail borrowers. RBI has also come out with a Concept Paper on setting up of Financial Literacy and Credit Counselling Centres. The Group suggests that banks should set up such Credit Counselling Centres (whether singly or jointly with other banks or with large corporates) for exclusively for MSMEs. Such Centres may be set up in major industrial towns/clusters. These Centres may provide preventive as well as curative guidance. (Para 5.2) ii. CAPACITY BUILDING Industries are an integral part of the Indian Economy since the ancient times. It is the developed state of Indian economy and entrepreneurship that attracted the Europeans to Indian shores. The industrial economy and the entrepreneurial spirit were stifled by the European powers for ulterior motives. The objective behind the expansion of their Empire was to find sources of cheap raw material for their industries and markets for their products. It was during the expansionary phase of the Europeans that the Industrial Revolution was taking that

continent on a path of progress and development. India missed the bus as it had no right of self determination. Swadeshi movement was the result of retaliation against economic exploitation of the Indian subjects. In the post independence era, the policy makers rightly thought it necessary to provide a protected environment so that the industry could grow and the spirit of entrepreneurship nurtured. Institutions were developed for the same and the momentum picked up. With integration of the Indian economy with the global economy, the protected environment became a handicap and the industry found it difficult to adjust to the new environment. However, the 60 year young Indian entrepreneurship and industry showed resilience and there has been all round growth in the recent times. Necessity entrepreneurship and lack of adequate capacity is the key feature, as regards micro, small and medium enterprises. A well defined policy, effective implementation, enabling environment, adequate infrastructure, supportive approach of bureaucracy, marketing support, technological inputs etc from the Government are vital for the success of the sector. In order to equip the MSMEs with the capacity to manage their businesses effectively and efficiently, all stakeholders need to make concerted efforts. The stakeholders may setup Enterprise Development Centres (EDC), providing comprehensive guidance and training not only for setting up of new units but also provide continuing education on different aspects of successful management of existing business enterprises. The EDCs may be setup by the stakeholders either individually or jointly, on their own or through subsidiaries or as joint ventures with private entities. These EDCs may provide the following services: a. Entrepreneurship Development Programmes for first generation entrepreneurs. b. Continuing education to existing enterprises on issues like designing of the product, technical upgradation/ absorption of latest technology, packaging, financial management, marketing. c. Setting up of incubators for development and testing of technology. These centres may be affiliated with IITs/ engineering colleges for continuing research and development of new innovative products, cost reduction, design development etc. d. Tapping the linkage of their promoters with the large corporates in assisting the entrepreneurs in forging marketing tie ups. e. The Government may provide grant upto Rs 2.5 crores, which should not be more than 50% of the cost of project for setting up each EDC, as against the present provisions of Rs 1 crores. f. The State Governments may provide land for setting up such EDCs free of cost. In case the same is not possible, 50% of the land cost may be borne by the State Government. g. While the EDCs envisage continuing education to the new as well as existing units, there is also a need for providing training on skill and technology upgradation by such EDCs so as to take care of the fast changing technology, design, development of new innovative products and processes. h. SIDBI may defray a part of the training costs @ Rs 5000 per trainee out of a Fund to be created within SIDBI from out of contribution from Government. (Para 5.3)

iii

UPGRADATION OF TECHNOLOGY

One of the problems faced by small enterprises is obsolete technology. These units are not able to compete with the large corporates and cheap imports. There is little availability of funds with the promoters for technological upgradation. a. While Department of Science and Technology is actively working for development of new technologies for the small and large industry, much more needs to be done. Adaptation of technology developed in other countries to the needs of Indian MSME sector also needs to be considered for making them more cost effective and dovetailed to the requirements of the customer. (Para 5.4.2) b. It is necessary that all stakeholders extend financial support to Engineering Colleges/IITs for a department or a Chair for undertaking research for technological upgradation in micro, small and medium enterprises. All new technology developed under such arrangement may be passed onto the small enterprises through the Enterprise Development Centres. The Engineering Colleges may be preferably linked to clusters. In order to encourage R&D towards upgradation of technology for micro, small and medium enterprise units, we propose that section 10 (21) of Income Tax Act may be amended to allow 150% deduction for contribution made towards funding of R&D work in Engineering Institutes. (Para 5.4.3) c. It is proposed that the Government should introduce industry specific interest subsidy scheme for SMEs on the pattern of TUFS for technology upgradation and for setting up new units with latest technology. However, latest technology which may be covered in each industry has to be specified by the Ministry. (Para 5.4.4) d. Lack of skilled manpower has been a constraint in the growth of the sector. The Government may set up more ITIs, Tool room training centres etc for training of the workforce on the latest technology, especially in the command areas of the user industry. (Para 5.4.5) iv. MARKETING a. Central/ State Government should take steps at National Level/ state level/ district level for marketing and distribution of products, particularly of micro & small enterprises in corporate/ joint venture/ cooperative sector. The emphasis should be on organisations focusing on sale of products of micro enterprises in backward states / areas on the pattern of KVIC/ Kshetriya Shri Gandhi Ashrams/ SEWA/ AMUL. Such marketing organisations may be given assistance in the form of reimbursement of discount, storage, marketing and distribution expenses etc. Capital subsidy for setting up retail outlets may also be considered. (Para 5.5.3) b. Industry specific Apex Cooperative Marketing Federation may be strengthened, who can have distribution and marketing tie up through their own retail outlets or other outlets. Autonomous Bodies like Handicraft and Handloom Boards should be set up at National and State levels in other industries also. The existing marketing setups should be strengthened with more retail outlets/ affiliated outlets, market research on

the customer preferences (like design colour etc) so that the small enterprises are in the know of the market demand and produce accordingly. (Para 5.5.4) c. A similar support system is required for providing raw material at reasonable prices at the doorstep of the units. Providing of infrastructural facilities to the units like creation of cold chain, process house, utilities etc also may be provided the same treatment. (5.5.5) d. Under SFURTI scheme, KVIC extends 100% grant to agencies engaged in development of marketing as Market Promotion assistance subject to a maximum of Rs 15 lacs. It may consider extending the grant without any cap to all entities providing raw material at the doorsteps of the units, providing marketing setup or infrastructural facilities in rural areas. (Para 5.5.6) e. In order to help the small enterprises in marketing of their products, the Government may consider setting up of permanent exhibition centres on the lines of Delhi Hat. Besides, periodic exhibitions of the products of small enterprises may be held by the Government in partnership with MSME Associations, or private businesses. (Para 5.5.7) f. There is a need for developing the micro, small and medium enterprises in such fashion the micro enterprises produce small components and parts or do preliminary processing of inputs or engage in job works for small enterprises, the small enterprises undertake the assembly of parts produced by the micro enterprises. The designing, technology and marketing should be handled by medium enterprises. The medium and small enterprises need to be induced to opt for such integration by fiscal or tax benefit/ other incentives. This arrangement protects the micro and small enterprises from the planning and capital intensive aspects of industrial activity. (Para 5.6) CREDIT INFORMATION SERVICES

v.

The banks are in the business of financing businesses. They are equally exposed to risks to which their constituents are exposed. Different methods of risk reduction are credit enhancement by collateral security or by credit guarantee, decision making on the basis of reliable, transparent and updated information, and providing level playing field to the Indian enterprises (vis–a-vis their global counterparts) by way of adequate infrastructure. As regards the availability of transparent credit information, setting up of Credit Information Companies has already been approved by the regulator. We suggest that these should be private sector enterprises with necessary data security and storage safeguards to be advised by RBI. Fees for providing the information should be kept at a minimum level so that the same does not exceed the information collection expense of credit information especially for small borrowers. The credit score of each entity should be provided to it at least once a year without any charges as also the negative features impacting such scores so as to enable it to improve the same. (Para 5.7)

vi.

SETTING UP OF AN UMBRELLA ORGANISATION

An umbrella organisation for overseeing the coordinated development of the micro, small and medium enterprise sector can put the sector on a high growth path. In order to sustain the high growth trajectory charted by the policy makers, a setup similar to SBA of USA should be created in India also. It may be called as Small Enterprise Organisation and formed as a company under the Companies’ Act or a Statutory Body or realigning the existing institutional set up to form such an autonomous body/organisation (which may be decided in consultation with RBI/ Ministry of MSME/SIDBI), with an initial capital base of Rs 500 crores, to be contributed by the Government of India. Subsequently, the banks, FIs and even private investors including multilateral agencies like World Bank, IFC etc may be permitted to hold equity in the Organisation. The entity may have a pan-India presence with the offices in all States and at major industrial centres. (Para 5.8.4, 5.8.5, 5.8.6) The objectives of this umbrella organisation may be to help, support, guide, advise, and protect the interests of micro, small and medium enterprises, to work for the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises, to provide relief and succour to small businesses in times of distress. (Para 5.8.7) Besides the functions performed by SBA of USA, we suggest that SEO may also undertake the following functions. (Para 5.8.8) a. Development of Investment Companies for onlending to MSME sector b. To provide financial/managerial assistance in setting up of clusters/industrial estates/common facilities under PPP model for growth of SMEs. It can also help in upgrading/creating further infrastructure in existing industrial estates/clusters and to provide market intelligence support. c. To provide financial and managerial assistance in setting up of marketing and distribution organisations at national/regional/local level on the pattern of AMUL and SEWA. These organisations may be set up in corporate sector or cooperative sector or in any other form. d. To provide financial and managerial assistance in setting up entrepreneurship development centres with the assistance of banks, Engineering Colleges, IITs etc. for conducting R&D, Design Development, innovative product development for SMEs units. These Centres can also help in setting up incubators and imparting training to SMEs. e. To provide support to small enterprises in the event of natural disasters like flood, draught, cyclone, earthquake, etc. f. Administration of Risk Capital Funds including the National Fund for the Unorganised Sector, Technology Development Fund, Market Development Fund etc g. Financing/ refinancing technology upgradation h. Market Research for the micro, small and medium enterprises i. Advising the Government on various issues relating to MSME sector j. Participation in the equity of companies setting up the common facilities (including power projects) predominantly for micro, small and medium enterprises

vii.

FORMATION OF MSME POLICY BY THE STATE GOVERNMENTS

a. We recommend that each state Government should also have a separate Ministry for MSME. In addition, the State Governments should also have long term and short term policy for development/ promotion of MSME sector (Para 5.9). b. The Government-entrepreneur partnership and bank-entrepreneur partnership proposed for the first generation entrepreneurs needs to be supplemented by entrepreneurentrepreneur partnership. New entrepreneurs may be mentored by the established players in the field. (Para 5.10). c. State Government should provide preferential treatment to MSMEs in providing uninterrupted power supply. In case the same is not possible, the State Government may provide back ended subsidy on loans taken for purchase of DG sets. (Para 5.11).

D.

CREDIT GUARANTEE FOR MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES

The Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises provides credit guarantee on loans to small and micro enterprises. As per the present scheme, term loans and working capital facilities granted to Micro and Small Enterprises (as defined under MSMED Act 2006) by the member lending institutions and insured with the Trust are covered to the extent of 75% of (a) the principal outstanding in case of term loan and (b) total outstanding (maximum being sanctioned limit) in case of Working Capital. The total loans eligible for coverage are only Rs 50 lacs. In case of micro enterprises (with loans upto Rs 5 lacs) and enterprises owned by women the coverage is 80%. CGTMSE charges Guarantee premium of 1.5% initially and 0.75% as annual service fee. CGTMSE guidelines may be modified as under to increase the coverage. a. The coverage limit may be raised from Rs 50 lacs to Rs 1 crores. (Para 6.2.1) b. In order to help the Micro Enterprises, we suggest as under : 1. Coverage of all micro enterprises may be raised to 80%.(Para 6.2.3) 2. Micro enterprises should not be burdened with Guarantee Fees and the Government may explore the possibility of bearing the entire premium for all micro enterprises. (Para 6.2.3) 3. The premium for the coverage of rehabilitation loans may be charged at only half the normal rates for small enterprises as the same shall help in improving the cashflows of the sick unit. (Para 6.2.5) c. CGTMSE may clarify that any charge on any assets of the borrower for securing the debt will not be treated as collateral security. (Para 6.2.2) d. Premium for credit guarantee coverage may be differentiated on the basis of risk rating of the borrower, in case of small enterprises. (Para 6.2.4) e. The CGTMSE may include a provision in their guidelines enabling the banks to exit the CGTMSE coverage in any account after the initial period, at their discretion. (Para 6.2.7) f. The Group feels that CGTMSE may bring out different variances of the guarantee product including sharing of collateral with it alongwith greater coverage another scheme may be introduced. (Para 6.2.6) g. While the concept of mutual credit guarantee has been tried, Credit Guarantee coverage by CGTMSE in association with Joint Liability Groups may be upscaled. (Para 6.2.8)

INDUSTRIAL ESTATES/ INDUCED CLUSTERS E. Natural clusters have developed over the years. Units in such clusters have business relationships as buyers and sellers. They cooperate with each other while competing for business outside. They join hands to pool resources, production capabilities etc. However, their development has not charted a structured path and therefore they lack in infrastructure leading to low efficiency of the units. In order to improve the business viability by improving the quality and reducing the cost of production we suggest development of induced clusters/industrial estates. i. More industrial estates developed by the Government on its own or in association with private sector may facilitate development of the sector. Induced clusters can be located close to the existing clusters so as to capitalize on the existing backward and forward linkages. However, it needs to be ensured that these Industrial Estates have complete infrastructure like roads, uninterrupted power supply, banking facilities and necessary security arrangement. 50% of the area should be reserved for micro and small enterprises. (Para 7.2,7.3)
ii. Industrial estates for micro and small enterprises may also be developed along the North South Corridor and East West Corridor as also the Golden Quadrilateral being developed by the Government and the Delhi Mumbai Goods Corridor being developed by the Railways. Hon’ble Finance Minister has also announced setting up of six mega clusters in the Union Budget for 2008-09. These estates should earmark at least 25% area for micro enterprises. To encourage development of such estates, fiscal concessions on the lines of SEZs, interest subvention and capital subsidy may be provided by the Government. (Para 7.6) Income tax benefit under Section 80 (I) (A) of Income Tax Act which permits 100% exemption on income earned during any block of 10 years out of 15 years may be given to developers of induced clusters/ industrial estates. (Para 7.11) Since power shortage is one of the reasons for sickness in SMEs, it is suggested that Industrial Estates for SMEs should be provided with independent power source. The Government may take steps to popularize its “Integrated Infrastructure Development Scheme” and provide additional concessions on the lines of those provided for development of SEZs. (Para 7.8) The institutional framework for improvement in the quality of the products of this sector through research and development, testing labs and quality certifications like BIS and ISO would have to be strengthened. (Para 7.7) The State Governments may be encouraged to provide land at 50% of the normal rate for setting up Industrial Estates exclusively for MSMEs. Further, 50% subsidy may be provided on the capital cost of common facilities like effluent treatment plant, power plant etc. (Para 7.9)

iii.

iv.

v.

vi.

vii.

viii.

Industrial Estates developed by the State Industrial Development Corporations or DICs or approved Industrial Estates developed by private entrepreneurs for SMEs are developed as per the approved layouts and should ideally have complete infrastructure. Accordingly, there should be no need for obtaining any clearance except registration with DIC for individual SME units set up in such Industrial Estates. This shall help curtail inspector raj to certain extent. Further the defunct Industrial Estates may be made active once again by putting in place the complete infrastructure putting national resources to good use. (Para 7.10) In terms of the policy package announced by the Ministry of MSME in 2007, risk profile of each cluster is to be studied by a professional credit rating agency and such risk profile reports are to be made available to commercial banks, besides adoption of at least one cluster by each lead bank of a district. We suggest that each rating agency be allotted 50 clusters for profiling and rating. This can be made available to the banks and FIs which would use them for speedier and hassle free credit to MSMEs. (Para 7.13)

ix.

F.

REHABILITATION OF SICK SMEs
All ventures cannot succeed. Failure is an integral part of entrepreneurship and has to be accepted by all stakeholders. Therefore, no system can be put in place which can guarantee success for all. What is required is an institutional mechanism for timely identification and corrective action for rehabilitation with necessary checks and incentives for the same. i. The Group recommends the following definition of a sick small enterprise, in order to remove the delay factor. (Para 9.1)

A Micro or Small Enterprise (as defined in the MSMED Act 2006) may be said to have become sick, if any of the borrowal account of the enterprise remains NPA for three months or more Or There is erosion in the networth due to accumulated losses to the extent of 50% of its networth. The existing stipulation that the unit should have been in commercial production for at least two years may be removed so as to enable the banks to rehabilitate units where there is delay in commencement of commercial production and there is a need for handholding due to time/cost overruns etc. ii. However, the accounts where willful default is identified (strictly in accordance with RBI guidelines) or the borrower is absconding shall not be classified as sick units and accordingly shall not be eligible for any relief and concessions. (Para 9.1) As regards the medium enterprises, RBI has revised the definitions of non-SSI sick accounts and non-SSI weak accounts vide its notification dated 19-03-2008. These definitions are :

iii.

A Non-SSI sick unit is a non-SSI Industrial undertaking (regardless of type of incorporation) whose accumulated losses, as at the end of the latest financial year, equal or exceed its entire networth (viz. paid up capital and free reserves). A Non-SSI weak unit is a non-SSI industrial undertaking (regardless of type of incorporation) if a. any of its borrowal accounts (principal or interest) has remained overdue for a period exceeding one year; or b. there is erosion in the net worth due to accumulated losses to the extent of 50% of its net worth during the previous financial year. The definitions have been issued recently by RBI, after considering all factors and therefore we do not suggest any change in the definition of sickness in medium enterprises. However, for the sake of uniformity, we suggest change of the term “Non-SSI weak unit” to “non-SSI incipient sick unit”. (Para 9.1) iv. At present incipient sickness for small enterprises has not been defined. We suggest that incipient sickness may be defined so that sickness can be checked/ arrested at an early stage. An account may be treated to have reached the stage of incipient sickness/ potential sickness, if any of the following events are triggered. a. There is delay in commencement of commercial production by more than six months for reasons beyond the control of promoters and entailing cost overrun. b. The company incurs losses for two years or cash loss for one year, beyond the accepted timeframe on account of change in economic and fiscal policies affecting the working of MSEs or otherwise. c. The capacity utilization is less than 50% of the projected level in terms of quantity or the sales are less than 50% of the projected level in terms of value during a year. The rehabilitation process should start at the point of incipient sickness (and not sickness) as defined above. (Para 9.3) v. The existing criteria for viability are reasonable. However, decision on viability of a unit may be taken at the earliest but not later than 3 months of becoming sick under any circumstances. In order to arrest the tendency of the banks to declare the sick micro, small and medium enterprises as unviable and go for recovery, we suggest that the following procedure should be adopted by the banks before declaring a micro, small and medium enterprise unit as unviable. However, the banks may take decision in case of malfeasance or fraud without following the procedure. (Para 9.4)

a. A sick unit should be declared unviable only if the viability status is evidenced by a viability study. b. The said viability study and the declaration of the unit as unviable should have the approval of the next higher authority (micro, small and medium enterprises)/ present sanctioning authority for tiny micro enterprises. c. The next higher authority should take such decision only after giving an opportunity to the promoters of the unit to present their case. They should be informed in writing about the reasons for declaring the unit as sick and unviable before giving this opportunity so that the promoters can present their case properly, within 7 days from the date of such decision. d. Decision of the above higher authority should be informed to the promoters in writing. The above process should be completed in a time bound manner. vi. REHABILITATION MEASURES: The existing guidelines on rehabilitation, whether as regards the relief and concessions, viability parameters or coordination between the banks/ FIs and Government agencies are adequate to manage the sickness in MSME sector. It appears that the implementation of the guidelines has not been done properly. More stringent monitoring at the level of HO of the banks/FIs, as also at the level of RBI may help in timely identification and treatment of sickness in MSME sector. However, minor modifications in the same are expected to further strengthen the guidelines. We suggest the following changes.

PARTICULARS Waiver of penal Interest

EXISTING GUIDELINES Waiver of penal Interest from the beginning of the accounting year of the unit in which it started incurring cash losses continuously NIL for FITL, and different concessions for other facilities. The repayment period permitted under DRM for SMEs is 10 yrs with concessions for 7 yrs and therefore no change is suggested in the same.

CHANGES SUGGESTED FOR MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES The following words may be added “the date of the account becoming NPA, whichever is earlier.”

Rate of interest

Repayment period

The existing concessions on rate of interest may continue. Interest may be made ballooning or staggered also. Staggered or ballooning repayment may also be permitted so that the installments are aligned to the cashflows.

While funding past and future losses, margin of 40% may be prescribed in case of small and medium enterprises. The relief and concessions available to sick/weak non SSI units are reasonable and we do not suggest any change in the same. SOME NEW SUGGESTIONS Banks may consider recovery of principal on the basis of tagging of sales, starting from the quarter of commencement of repayment. However, tagging should not be more than the cash margins of the unit. In order to make the process of settlement of debt through OTS speedier and to provide resources to such intending borrowers, RBI may consider allowing scaling down of debt burden to sustainable levels. Further, in order to incentivise lenders to fund the OTS and additional requirement of funds, the new lenders may be allowed to convert a part of the debt into equity. As an incentive for proper restructuring package at the time of rehabilitation, necessary support for business restructuring, modernisation, expansion, diversification and technological upgradation as may be felt necessary by the lenders may also be encouraged. Support of schemes like Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme in case of units in other (than rural) areas, KVIC Margin Money Scheme (for units in rural areas) may be extended for rehabilitation packages also. In terms of extant RBI guidelines, an account gets downgraded if initial moratorium on interest payment is extended as a part of restructuring. These guidelines need to be waived especially for MSMEs. (Para 9.5.1) Margin on funding of losses

vii. We have gone through the rehabilitation policies of State Governments. We are of the opinion that Ministry of MSME may issue suggestive guidelines which will help the state governments to formulate their guidelines. State Governments should clearly state the relief and concessions available to potentially viable sick small and medium enterprises regarding power dues, sales tax and other statutory dues. The guidelines should also mention that coercive action would not be taken if rehabilitation is initiated by the banks. The State Governments should introduce a Single Window concept for providing relief and concessions to sick MSEs. We have also suggested that Ministry of MSME should be setup in states on the lines of Centre. A separate Cell may be created therein for rehabilitation of sick MSMEs. In case of delinquency by any Government department in providing relief and concessions in terms of the declared policy of the state government, such cell may take up the issues with the concerned departments. (Para 9.6, 9.7,9.8) viii. In order to incentivise the banks to take rehabilitation measures, we suggest as under. A. Repayment of any additional exposure taken as part of the rehabilitation package should be given priority on the cash flows as well as security as compared to lenders of existing finance. (Para 9.9.1) B. In order to encourage rehabilitation in micro and small enterprises, we suggest that there should be no provisioning requirement for sacrifices in cases covered under CGTMSE. ( Para 9.9.3) C. Staggering or ballooning of instalments may also be considered to provide opportunity to new SME units to establish in the market and prevent sickness. (Para 9.9.5) ix. Small enterprises normally face teething problems and it takes time to establish quality of product and market. We suggest that interest of at least 6 months after commercial production can also be included as a part of the project cost. Sufficient moratorium of say 2 years for repayment of the principal should also be given. It will prevent cases of incipient sickness at the commencement of production and help units to establish themselves in the market at the beginning. (Para 9.9.4) RBI may issue guidelines that rehabilitation of any unit after its identification as sick is not affected by the earlier restructuring and the asset classification is not downgraded at the time of first restructuring after the unit has become sick. (Para 9.9.2) The premium for the coverage of rehabilitation loans may be charged at only half the normal rates as the same shall help in improving the cashflows of the sick unit. (Para 9.10) Medium Enterprises should be taken out of the purview of BIFR and the banks given the responsibility of their rehabilitation, more so because only a fraction of the medium enterprises are covered under SICA and their rehabilitation done under the supervision of BIFR. (Para 9.11)

x.

xi.

xii.

xiii.

The Group feels that the implications of sickness in MSMEs for the bank, the economy and the nation and the need to promptly act after a unit is identified as sick needs to be ingrained in the field staff. A few steps that need to be taken are The branch staff should be sensitised to the needs of MSMEs by continuing training on various issues pertaining to MSMEs. The Rehabilitation Department should be an independent Department and not a part of the Recovery Department. The banks should have a separate cell manned by a separate cadre of officials for managing their MSME portfolio. This cadre should also provide guidance/ counselling services to sick MSME units as regards the change in product mix, technology adaptation, marketing strategy and network etc in addition to preparation of rehabilitation proposal. The banks may consider changing their guidelines so that bonafide actions are not termed as lapses and do not attract staff side action. (Para 9.12)

xiv. All cases beyond the powers of a scale II branch should be referred to Centralised Processing Cell where a separate Rehabilitation Cell should process and sanction the packages. Committee approach should be adopted for rehabilitation proposals also. (Para 9.13) xv. Being the apex financial institution for MSMEs, SIDBI may provide advisory services and participate in appraisal and financing of rehabilitation packages of MSMEs, even if it had no prior exposure in the same. (Para 9.16) xvi. At present Empowered Committee under the Chairmanship of Regional Director of RBI and SLIIC are the two bodies that review the status of sickness in the micro, small and medium enterprise sector. The Group is of the opinion that the responsibility should lie with the Empowered Committee. Formation of a district level body for rehabilitation of sick micro, small and medium enterprises where all agencies confirm their participation in rehabilitation shall also help expedite the process of rehabilitation and better coordination between the different agencies. (Para 9.14, 9.15) EXIT ROUTE xvii. Risk of failure is present in every entrepreneurial venture. To quote from the address of Dr. Rakesh Mohan, Deputy Governor, RBI, at Annual Bankers’ Conference at Hyderabad on November 3, 2006 “there will be failures as well as successes… Despite the risk, financing of first time entrepreneurs is a must for financial inclusion and growth.” In MSME sector, the failure rate is relatively higher – the reasons for which range from delayed/inadequate availability of credit to non-availability of backward and forward support system.

A sound, transparent, clearly worded and equitable exit policy focussing on faster exit is the need of the hour. In order to achieve a more transparent, predictable and sound insolvency system, the existing legislations may have to be toned up so as to integrate with the country’s broader legal and commercial systems, provide for reorganisation of viable businesses and efficient liquidation of nonviable businesses, provide for equitable treatment of similarly situated creditors and recognise existing creditor rights and respect the priority of claims. Necessary support system and enabling laws & procedures for providing comfort to the lenders are required to be put in place. An effective credit guarantee system is one of the ways for providing the comfort. Absence of such support system will increase sickness, as it will instill inertia in the bankers. The credit portfolio of the banks would be adversely affected and the banks would be more averse to lending to the sector. The banks and small enterprises are caught in the vicious cycle where the mistrust of the bankers and the entrepreneurs feed upon each other. The support systems should be supportive to the stressed units. Sensitisation towards the problems of the entrepreneurs and a solution finding approach on the part of the bankers would help the banks as well as the small enterprises. Timely rehabilitation measures are crucial for survival of small enterprises. However, a fertile environment has to be created for such supportive approach to succeed. The external and internal audit system should be re-oriented. The auditors should be sensitive to timely support extended by field functionaries to the entrepreneurs when in stress. It has to be accepted that failure in revival efforts is a part of the banking business process. The decision of field functionaries as regards revival and rehabilitation should be supported at all levels. (Para 9.17) In order to have a focussed approach in managing sickness, all accounts where recovery action has been initiated should be excluded from the sick accounts. Technology may be used for identification of sickness (linked to NPA classification.) All accounts below Rs 2 lacs may be excluded from the data on sick units. (Para 9.18, 9.19, 9.20) xii. It is derived from the RBI data on sick SMEs that 97% of the units have been found unviable. The measures suggested in the report are for growth of healthy small and medium enterprises and for rehabilitation of potentially viable sick micro, small and medium enterprises. However, the number of units found unviable is very large. An opportunity for exit has to be provided to these units so that the promoters could start their businesses afresh with a clean slate. These units could also not avail the OTS opportunity provided by RBI in 2005. In order to give one more opportunity to such units and also help the banks to cleanse their books, RBI may come out with another scheme of OTS for micro, small and medium enterprises with the following features.

1. All micro, small and medium enterprise accounts classified in NPA category as on 31-03-2006 should be eligible for settlement under the scheme. 2. The settlement amount would be at a discount to the principal outstanding as on the date of NPA. 3. The amount should be paid by the borrower within 6 months of approval or such extended time as may be permitted by the banks. 4. The promoters of these units would be eligible for obtaining finance after settlement of the dues under OTS. (Para 9.22.3) xiii. There is a need to simplify the procedures and cut the time for exit route for SMEs as these are small units and cannot follow lengthy and time consuming procedures for winding up/ exit. We suggest that there should be a separate mechanism and courts for winding up of non-corporate enterprises (like NCLT) for expeditious decision making. A simplified and easy exit route for private limited companies may be provided in the revised Companies’ Act. It may also be considered to have dedicated bench for SMEs in case of CLB/ NCLT and other courts. (Para 9.22.5) The limit for Lok Adalat under Legal Services Authorities Act is Rs 20 lacs, which was fixed under the Act notified in Nov 1995. The Government may consider raising the limit of Rs 20 lacs to Rs 50 lacs for Lok Adalats under Legal Services Authorities Act. (Para 9.22.2) Measures could be initiated by GoI to strengthen the DRT/legal machinery, by increasing the number of DRTs, increasing the number of Benches in existing DRTs, including increasing the number of Presiding Officers and considering Presiding Officers from other fields apart from the judiciary, so as to expedite delivery of judgement in such cases. Dedicated Bench for SMEs may be setup at DRTs to expedite the process of recovery. (Para 9.22) GoI should initiate measures to encourage more number of Asset Reconstruction Companies [ARCs], whose core competency would be recovery from NPAs. ARCs especially for MSME loans may be encouraged. ARCs should focus on revival of potentially viable sick units and not concentrate only on sale and realisation of the assets. (Para 9.22.1)

xiv.

xv.

xvi.

xvii. RBI has recently come out with guidelines for sale of NPAs either on cash basis or on issue of security receipts. While primary sale of such NPAs has now been permitted, measures for imparting greater depth and broadening of the secondary market for sale of such NPA assets or instruments issued thereof would need to be actively pursued by RBI/GoI, to give a fillip to the activity. (Para 9.22.6) xviii. To account for the increase in the size of micro and small enterprises and neutralize the inflation factor, the Group feels that the threshold limit for taking action under SARFAESI Act should be raised to Rs. 5 lacs. Incidentally National Commission on Enterprises in Unorganised Sector has also suggested raising the limit for action under SARFAESI Act to Rs 5 lacs. (Para 9.22.8)

xix.

The provisions of SFC Act may be reviewed and it may be made compulsory for the SFCs to give an opportunity to the defaulting units for rehabilitation before initiating action under the provision as suggested by us in case of banks. (Para 9.22.9) SARFAESI Act gives powers similar to those available to SFCs under Section 29 of SFC Act. In order to prevent hasty action by banks also, it may be made compulsory for the banks to give the promoters an opportunity for revival of the unit before it is declared as unviable. Further, a stipulation of making at least one effort for rehabilitation before initiating action under SARFAESI Act is expected to help in averting hasty action by the branch in initiating recovery without making any efforts for revival. (Para 9.22.12)

xx.

(K C Chakrabarty) Chairman of the Working Group

(P Rudran) Member

(J Chandrasekaran) Member

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close