April 20, 2026 12:19 PM

MSME Ministry trains over 2,500 artisans in AI under PM Vishwakarma Scheme

In a first-of-its-kind initiative to integrate traditional skills with modern technology, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has trained over 2,500 artisans across the country in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme. The programme, aimed at empowering grassroots craftspeople, is aligned with the government’s vision of leveraging AI for social good. It focuses on helping artisans enhance their livelihoods by adopting digital tools for b...

March 16, 2026 4:00 PM

Credit disbursement to MSMEs by banks sees sharp rise over last three years: Shobha Karandlaje

Credit disbursement to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector by banks has recorded significant growth over the past three years, reflecting improved access to finance for small businesses, according to government data. As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), loans extended to the sector by Scheduled Commercial Banks rose from ₹16.96 lakh crore in 2022-23 to ₹22.04 lakh crore in 2023-24, and further to ₹26.43 lakh crore in 2024-25. The information was shared in the Rajya S...

March 9, 2026 8:53 PM

FTAs creating new opportunities for MSMEs to integrate into global supply chains: Jitin Prasada

Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on Monday said that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are opening new opportunities for India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to integrate into global supply chains and expand their presence in international markets. Addressing the National MSME Awards Ceremony organised by the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), Prasada said recent trade agreements with major markets, including the European Union as well as countries such ...

January 15, 2026 6:15 PM

NITI Aayog releases roadmap to boost MSME efficiency through scheme convergence

The NITI Aayog on Thursday released a comprehensive report titled “Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes”, outlining a strategic framework to streamline government support and improve outcomes for India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The report, launched by NITI Aayog Member Arvind Virmani and NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, presents a detailed blueprint to enhance the effectiveness of MSME schemes by strengthening i...

December 5, 2025 2:44 PM

Government expands financial support measures for MSMEs to boost credit access

The Government of India has expanded a series of financial support measures aimed at improving access to credit for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Minister of State for MSMEs Shobha Karandlaje informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. According to the MSME Ministry, multiple schemes have been strengthened to enhance the flow of credit and provide easier financing options for small businesses, artisans, and traditional craftsmen across the country. One of the major steps includes increasi...

August 20, 2025 1:29 PM

US tariff impact: India can increase exports to other countries, leverage UK FTA benefits

India can mitigate the impact of higher US tariffs—particularly on its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) - by diversifying exports to other markets and leveraging gains from the recently concluded free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom, as well as a potential trade deal with the European Union, according to a report. The imposition of higher tariffs by the US will affect MSMEs, which account for as much as 45 per cent of India's total exports, said the report released on...