Mint Explainer | Will the credit guarantee scheme 2.0 fix microfinance’s funding freeze?
The government has launched a ₹20,000 crore credit guarantee scheme for microfinance institutions to revive lending in the microfinance sector, which has been hit by a prolonged period of stress. The move is aimed at restoring lender confidence and improving credit flow to small borrowers.
What does it mean for the sector. Mint explains.The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0), effective 20 March 2026, provides partial credit guarantee to banks and financial institutions for loans extended to non-banks and other microfinance institutions (MFI) for onward lending to small borrowers.The scheme will remain open until 30 June 2026 or until guarantees worth ₹20,000 crore are issued.
The objective is to reduce risk perception among lenders and ensure that credit continues to flow to financially vulnerable segments.The first credit guarantee scheme for MFIs was launched on 28 June 2021 to support the sector during the covid-19 disruption. Initially valid till 31 March 2022 or until ₹7,500 crore of guarantees were issued, it required no guarantee fee or collateral, and mandated that at least 80% of funds be deployed toward fresh loans while keeping borrower rates within RBI norms.Under the framework, banks and eligible institutions lend to MFIs, which then on-lend to small borrowers.
Read on livemint.com