New Delhi: Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs for facilitating loans upto Rs. 100 crore to MSMEs for purchase of machinery or equipment without collateral, in pursuance of the Union Budget 2024-25 announcement, at the post-budget stakeholders’ interaction in Mumbai.
The Union Minister also virtually inaugurated the first ‘Sachal Aaykar Seva Kendra’ at Mumbai, to be operational in Navy Nagar Colaba and is designed to facilitate access to digital services, provide assistance for grievance redressal and to promote tax awareness.
Sitharaman also handed over ceremonial keys to the home owners benefitted by the SWAMIH Investment Fund of SBI Ventures Ltd. Union MoS Pankaj Chaudhary, Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kr. Agarwal were also present on the occasion.
She stated that Government continues its post-COVID capital and asset-building strategy, with increased allocations for capital expenditure to drive infrastructure development. The Finance Minister outlined the major takeaways from the Budget 2025-26, emphasizing economic growth, responsible fiscal management, and key structural reforms aimed at realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Addressing food security, the Finance Minister highlighted the introduction of PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, which aims to improve agricultural productivity across 100 districts known for low agricultural output. This programme will help 1.7 crore farmers to enhance agricultural productivity, improve irrigation facilities and facilitate long-term and short-term credit "Strengthening food security in rural India is paramount, and this initiative will uplift our farmers and boost productivity where it is needed most," she said.