MSMEs call for increased budgetary provision for sector

Sun Dec 15 19:47:23 UTC 2024: ## Kerala MSMEs Seek ₹7,800 Crore Boost in 2025-26 Budget

**KOCHI, December 16, 2024** – Kerala’s Micro, Small, and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) are urging the state government to significantly increase funding for the sector in the upcoming 2025-26 budget. In a pre-budget meeting with the Finance Minister, the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSA) requested a total of ₹7,800 crore.

This substantial request includes ₹300 crore for the development of 100 private industrial estates, ₹2,000 crore for the “Mission 1,000” initiative aimed at boosting 1,000 enterprises to ₹100 crore companies each, and an additional ₹5,000 crore for general MSME support. The KSSA also highlighted the need for timely disbursement of loan subsidies to avoid penalties.

The association further advocated for parity with large industries in terms of financial support, urging the removal of the ₹3 crore limit on funding for private industrial parks. They also called for legal protection against unfounded complaints, collective procurement and distribution of raw materials (currently scarce), and increased investment in infrastructure, particularly to support the tourism sector. Finally, the KSSA proposed utilizing fallow land for industrial purposes and government-led river dredging for sand distribution.