Industrial Body MASSIA Appeals for MSME Loan Restructuring and Increased Funding
In a significant development for the industrial sector in Maharashtra, the Marathwada Association of Small Scale Industries and Agriculture (MASSIA) has formally requested the Central Government to restructure loans for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and enhance financial support mechanisms. This appeal was made during a high-profile visit by top officials from the Ministry of MSME to MASSIA's Common Facility Centre (CFC) located in Waluj, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
High-Level Ministry Delegation Engages with Local Industry Leaders
The visiting delegation included Subhas Chandra Lal Das, Secretary of the Ministry of MSME, R K Rai, Additional Development Commissioner, and Abhay Daftardar, Assistant Development Commissioner. Their inspection of the CFC provided a platform for MASSIA representatives to present critical demands aimed at bolstering the local industrial ecosystem.
Pruthviraj Shah, Director of the MASSIA auto component cluster, articulated the association's key requests. "We have raised the demand for restructuring of loans disbursed to MSMEs for the benefit of local industries and sought additional funding through different avenues," Shah stated. He further emphasized the need for timely disbursement of funds under the Micro and Small Enterprises Cluster Development Programme, a central government initiative designed to support industrial clusters.
Addressing Operational Challenges: LPG Supply and Financial Support
Beyond financial restructuring, MASSIA office bearers highlighted pressing operational issues, notably the ongoing shortage in LPG gas supply to industries. They urged the Centre to intervene and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted supply of this essential fuel to maintain production continuity.
"We sought support from the Centre to resolve our issues. The Central authorities assured us of a positive response to our demands," Shah added, indicating a constructive dialogue with the ministry officials. The discussions underscored the critical role of government support in addressing both financial and logistical hurdles faced by MSMEs in the region.
The demands put forth by MASSIA reflect broader challenges within the MSME sector, including access to credit and operational sustainability. The association's proactive engagement with central authorities aims to secure necessary interventions that could stimulate industrial growth and stability in Marathwada.
