Fintech Firms Aim to Close $530 Billion Credit Gap for MSMEs

13 Jan 2025 CW Team

India's fintech industry is urging the government to introduce measures in the upcoming budget that would improve credit accessibility for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Despite recent policy initiatives, a significant credit gap persists in the sector. According to the Reserve Bank of India, the total finance demand for MSMEs stands at $1,955 billion, with $1,544 billion specifically required in debt financing. Currently, only $289 billion of this demand is being met by banks, leaving a $530 billion gap that fintech companies and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) could help fill.

The introduction of the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) has provided some relief, but experts suggest simplifying eligibility criteria for NBFCs to address the gap more effectively. Additionally, the government's Samadhaan portal shows significant unpaid dues, with over 40,000 pending applications, further exacerbating liquidity issues for MSMEs.

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..