

Govt may seek RBI move to relax NPA norms to cushion MSMEs from war impact
₹2.5 trillion relief package, including credit guarantees for MSMEs amid feedback from banks indicating potential stress in their MSME portfolios starting Q1 FY27, the persons cited above said, requesting anonymity.The current environment, shaped by the West Asia crisis, is creating conditions similar to the covid-19 period, warranting a closer look at relief measures. This assumes significance given that the MSME sector contributes about 30.1% to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for 35.4% of manufacturing output and nearly 45% of India’s merchandise exports.MSME borrowers have increasingly approached lenders seeking relief measures, citing business disruptions from the West Asia war.
Officials of the RBI, the MSME ministry, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the Department of Expenditure (DoE) and industry groups met on Wednesday to discuss the situation.“Since the current situation is similar to the covid-19 period, the government may consider extending the NPA recognition period and easing Special Mention Account (SMA) norms as part of relief measures for the sector,” said the first person.The second person cited earlier said that the government has been receiving continuous feedback from banks, indicating the possibility of stress in the first quarter of FY27. “There has been substantial feedback from MSME customers through banks, and these relaxations in NPA norms are being considered to ease that pressure,” this person said.Queries emailed to the ministries of finance and MSME, as well as to the RBI remained unanswered till press time.Experts said there is a need for government intervention to ease the financial stress on MSMEs.“Early policy support is critical in such situations, as
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