Union Budget must emphasise on job creation: Kalyan Basu of A.TReDS Ltd

Budget 2018

Budget 2018Like any other budget, the Union Budget of 2018 comes with many hopes and expectations for the country. This year’s budget is a bit special for a few reasons; one being, that it is the last full year budget for the current government.Secondly, the country saw two major events the demonetisation and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Thirdly, implementation of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) as it sinks in is a dramatic mindset change for Corporate India, this year we will witness depth of its effectiveness and the changes that it brings in.

I would like to congratulate the Centre for bringing in the reforms and its efforts to put the economy on the growth trajectory. Some of the last year’s initiative such as Mudra loans has put a cheer back on the faces of MSMEs; the Government has claimed an achievement of 95 per cent in loans disbursal under the scheme.

The monumental step of recapitalisation is a major move in strengthening the public sector banks (PSBs). With focus on themes such as customer responsiveness, responsible banking, credit off-take, PSBs (public sector banks) as Udyami Mitra, deepening financial inclusion and digitalisation and developing personnel for brand PSB, the Government is making an all-out effort in creating strong financial institutions.

Initiatives of the government such as Skill India, Make in India, among a host of other steps taken are all coming together like pieces of jig saw puzzle in supporting MSMEs and strengthening the economy.

One of the greatest challenge faced by the Government today is new job creation. MSMEs actually can play a significant role in meeting this objective and hence we expect the Government to come out with fresh incentives for the MSMEs going ahead.

Launch of TReDS

Last year, three entities received license for starting TReDS platforms. The Government views it as one of the crucial ways to support MSME sector by providing a tech-based access to the much-needed working capital through an online and transparent bid mechanism.

The Government has supported the growth of the nascent sector by advising PSUs and PSBs to register themselves on the platform. I appreciate the efforts of the government in pursuing with all the stakeholders to increase traction on the TReDS platform.

  1. A.TReDS (Trade Receivable Discounting System) Ltd, a joint venture between Axis Bank and B2B e-commerce company mjunction.

Expectations

In the coming budget we expect the Finance Ministry to continue to provide easier access for MSMEs to institutional credit and strengthen them through a more relaxed regulatory framework.

Secondly I would like to focus on the important issue of credit insurance which could be provided to the MSMEs coming onto to the TReDS platform for bill discounting. Just as ECGC has been protecting the small exporters from default risk of the Foreign Buyer, we also need a similar product for small MSMEs to cover default by their buyers in the domestic market.

Conclusion

I look forward to a policy framework which enables a sustainable and inclusive development of the country with strong financial institutions lending to MSMEs.

This article has been written by Kalyan Basu, MD & CEO, A.TReDS Ltd.

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