logo
Centre's schemes to make micro and small businesses green find no takers: Less than 1% of funds disbursed

Centre's schemes to make micro and small businesses green find no takers: Less than 1% of funds disbursed

Mint14-07-2025
New Delhi: Central schemes to help Indian micro and small businesses turn green have found no takers, with less than 1% or only ₹7.23 crore of a ₹950 crore outlay disbursed so far.
The MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME-GIFT) and MSME Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSME-SPICE) have barely seen any interest from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Only 629 GIFT applications and four SPICE applications have been approved till June, data on the Union MSME ministry's performance smartboard showed.
These schemes are only meant for micro and small businesses.
While ₹6.87 crore has been dispensed under the GIFT scheme, SPICE has recorded an outgo of a paltry ₹36 lakh, with the two schemes slated to end in March 2026 and March 2027, respectively.
An email query sent to the ministry of MSME remained unanswered till press time.
Both schemes were launched in December 2023 as part of a World Bank-backed Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) project.
Green investments and emission reduction hold the key to MSME exports that account for 45.73% of the country's exports, 30.1% of India's gross domestic product (GDP) and 35.4% of manufacturing—especially in the wake of developed economies imposing carbon taxes.
Under the GIFT scheme, which has an outlay of ₹478 crore, micro and small enterprises can avail benefits in two ways—interest subvention and risk-sharing facilities. The interest subvention component, which has an allocation of ₹350 crore, provides affordable finance to micro and small enterprises for adopting green technologies by offering a 2% interest subvention per annum for a maximum of 5 years on term loans of up to ₹2 crore.
Under this component, micro and small enterprises that have received approvals for loans for green investments can seek interest subvention. Till June this year, a little over ₹6.87 crore had been disbursed, according to the Green MSME portal. which provides information and data about the GIFT and SPICE schemes.
Micro and small enterprises that have availed credit for green investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, clean transportation, water management and circular economy practices can be part of the GIFT scheme.
The second component—the risk-sharing facility with an allocation of ₹125 crore—provides partial credit guarantee coverage to lenders, reducing their risk exposure when extending credit facilities to micro and small enterprises for green projects. Till June, no risk-sharing facility application had been accepted, and no loan amount guaranteed under this component, the Green MSME portal showed.
The SPICE scheme, which, with an outlay of ₹472.5 crore, allows micro and small enterprises to make green investments related to a circular economy, has also seen tepid interest from the industry. Only six applications have been filed, and four accepted, till June.
Under the SPICE scheme, the government provides a capital subsidy for circular economy projects in brownfield projects. The capital subsidy is up to 25% of a project cost up to ₹50 lakh. If the project cost is more than ₹50 lakh, the capital subsidy is capped at ₹12.5 lakh.
Circular economy projects eligible under the SPICE scheme include waste-recycling plants for plastics, rubber, electronic waste, municipal waste, compressed biogas, lithium-ion batteries, end-of-life vehicles and solar panels, among others.
India's massive micro and small enterprise sector, made up of more than 65 million businesses, is a key driver of exports, but faces a critical hurdle in the form of carbon tax policies in developed economies, experts said.
'Indian micro and small businesses exporting to Europe will certainly bear the brunt of CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism). They will have to cut down emissions one way or another to be eligible for exports there," said Gurudas Nulkar, professor and director, Centre for Sustainable Development, Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics.
Under CBAM, a European regulation, shipments of steel, aluminium and some other products to the 27 nations of the European Union (EU) face a 'carbon tax' if the embedded carbon emission in these products is above what is allowed in EU.
Nulkar said micro and small enterprises that supply to other businesses do not have enough resources to turn their operations green. These are commonly manufacturing sector businesses, which run on low working capital and wafer-thin margins, he said.
On the other hand, micro and small enterprises that deal with consumers directly and are in the services sector may be pushed by investors to turn green. "Such consumer businesses do not want to remain MSEs but compete to be unicorns," said Nulkar, an expert of industrial sustainability and environmentalmanagement.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From Hyderabad to Dubai: The Coupon Platform Helping Indians Save Across Borders
From Hyderabad to Dubai: The Coupon Platform Helping Indians Save Across Borders

Hans India

timea few seconds ago

  • Hans India

From Hyderabad to Dubai: The Coupon Platform Helping Indians Save Across Borders

In today's digital age, the idea of borders is becoming increasingly irrelevant — especially when it comes to shopping. What was once considered a challenge, buying from international retailers or accessing cross-border deals, is now a regular experience for savvy Indian consumers. And leading this global savings movement is a platform that started just a few years ago: GC Coupons. Founded in 2020, GC Coupons has grown from a niche website into one of the most trusted and widely used coupon platforms across the GCC region (Gulf Cooperation Council). But what makes this story particularly special for Indian readers is that it's not just changing the way people shop in Dubai or Riyadh — it's helping millions of Indian shoppers, from Hyderabad to Kochi to Mumbai, save big on their favorite brands abroad. The Rise of Cross-Border Shopping Online shopping behavior has shifted dramatically in India in the last five years. With better payment gateways, currency converters, and international shipping options, Indians are no longer restricted to domestic marketplaces like Flipkart or Amazon India. From fashion on Noon to educational tools like Novakid, or lifestyle memberships through The Entertainer, international brands are just a click away. But as the accessibility grew, so did the need for smart savings. While these platforms often offer discounts to locals in their region, most Indian users were unaware of how to access them — until GC Coupons entered the picture. What Is GC Coupons — And Why Is Everyone Talking About It? GC Coupons began with a simple mission: to make premium global shopping more affordable for customers across the Middle East and beyond. Over the last five years, the platform has become the leading coupon destination for users in the GCC region, now expanding its reach to international users, including Indians who regularly shop on global sites. With over 5 million shoppers served, GC Coupons offers verified and frequently updated discount codes across top retailers in fashion, electronics, travel, education, and lifestyle. In the words of its founder, Yash Bhojwani, 'We work directly with brands to bring exclusive offers for our users. In a short span, we have helped over 5 million shoppers save money on their favourite brands.' That collaborative approach has helped the platform build trust with both users and global merchants — a rare win-win in the world of affiliate marketing and e-commerce. Why Indian Shoppers Are Turning to GC Coupons Here are a few compelling reasons why Indian users — including expats, frequent travelers, and global shoppers — are now making GC Coupons part of their regular shopping routine: 1. Access to Regional Brands at Better Prices Platforms like Noon offer incredible product selections in electronics, home décor, and fashion — but their best deals are often geo-locked or hidden behind seasonal campaigns. GC Coupons regularly lists verified Noon promo codes that allow Indian users to unlock region-specific discounts without having to reside in the Middle East. 2. Educational Platforms for the Global Indian Family The rise of digital learning during the pandemic made platforms like Novakid hugely popular. Parents looking for internationally styled English programs for their kids found Novakid to be a valuable resource. But courses on global edtech platforms can be pricey. GC Coupons solves this by offering special Novakid discount codes that lower the barrier to entry for Indian families seeking quality education. 3. Premium Lifestyle Access via The Entertainer Indians traveling to the Middle East, especially Dubai, often explore lifestyle and entertainment memberships like The Entertainer — known for its buy-one-get-one deals on fine dining, fitness, spas, and attractions. But many are unaware that GC Coupons offers exclusive discounts on The Entertainer memberships. Using this The Entertainer Promo Code, Indian users can now plan better holidays or even gift valuable experiences to friends or family living abroad. 4. Seamless Shopping from India Many Indian users assume they need to be in the UAE or Saudi Arabia to use GCC-based platforms. Not true. GC Coupons supports mobile-first usability, geo-independent access, and regularly updates coupon codes that work globally. Whether you're ordering a gift for a friend in Dubai or subscribing to a global service from Hyderabad, GC Coupons brings those deals to your screen, no matter where you are. Built for the Cross-Border Generation The platform's success is not just about offering coupons — it's about building a frictionless, trustworthy experience for shoppers across borders. GC Coupons stands out because: ✅ It verifies and updates deals daily, avoiding expired or misleading codes. ✅ It offers exclusive brand partnerships that no other Indian coupon site can access. ✅ It provides a mobile app, which has already crossed 50,000 downloads on Android and iOS, featuring a clean UI/UX and easy browsing of categories like fashion, electronics, travel, and education. ✅ It supports both English and Arabic languages, expanding accessibility across the region. To explore these deals and experience the ease of saving, check out the GC Coupons homepage today. GC Coupons: A Made-for-MENA Success Story Launched in 2020, GC Coupons has quickly become a household name across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In less than five years, it has grown from a startup idea into a platform that partners with over 300+ retailers, including: Noon Mumzworld GeeksForGeeks Huawei Tavola Namshi Max Fashion FirstCry VPerfumes And many more... But more importantly, the platform now serves a global audience, including a rapidly growing user base in India. Whether it's NRI shoppers, international students, cross-border freelancers, or just savvy Indian consumers looking for better deals, GC Coupons is proving to be an essential companion in the modern shopping journey. What Lies Ahead? GC Coupons shows no signs of slowing down. With expansion plans into more Indian-centric categories, improved AI-based personalization for deal recommendations, and more exclusive partnerships with top-tier global brands, the platform is expected to become the bridge between Indian shoppers and global merchants. As India continues to emerge as a top consumer economy and cross-border digital behavior becomes the norm, platforms like GC Coupons are no longer just 'helpful' — they're becoming a necessity for anyone looking to shop smarter. Final Thoughts Whether you're a parent investing in international education tools, a tech lover shopping on Noon, or a travel enthusiast looking to unlock BOGO deals in Dubai — GC Coupons is your cross-border savings passport. Its ability to democratize access to global deals, especially for the Indian audience, is not just innovative — it's empowering. So next time you're shopping from Dubai, Riyadh, or even right here in Hyderabad, don't forget to check GC Coupons first. You might just save more than you expect.

Gautam Adani's BIG move, this company to divest 50% of its business of…, and acquire 50% stake in…
Gautam Adani's BIG move, this company to divest 50% of its business of…, and acquire 50% stake in…

India.com

timea few seconds ago

  • India.com

Gautam Adani's BIG move, this company to divest 50% of its business of…, and acquire 50% stake in…

Home Business Gautam Adani's BIG move, this company to divest 50% of its business of…, and acquire 50% stake in… Gautam Adani's BIG move, this company to divest 50% of its business of…, and acquire 50% stake in… The Adani group formed a new alliance to reduce India's dependence on imported copper tubes and build a robust domestic ecosystem for copper-based applications. Gautam Adani (File) Adani Group's flagship company will divest 50% of its copper tubes business to MetTube, while also acquiring a 50% stake in MetTube's Indian subsidiary, the company announced on Thursday. As part of the partnership, both companies will jointly manufacture copper tubes for applications in air conditioning, renewable energy, and smart construction. Adani To Partner With MetTube 'Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) has entered into a share purchase and shareholders agreements with MetTube Mauritius Private Limited (MetTube),' the firm said in a statement. 'Under the agreement, Adani Enterprises will divest a 50 per cent stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, Kutch Copper Tubes Limited, to MetTube. Additionally, Adani Enterprises will invest 50 per cent in MetTube Copper India Private Limited, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of MetTube and operates a plant near Ahmedabad in Gujarat,' the statement added. MetTube, a part of the diversified Metdist Group, brings decades of global experience in manufacturing high-performance copper tubes. Adani Enterprises, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, has already established advanced copper manufacturing infrastructure in Mundra, Gujarat, including the greenfield copper tube facility under Kutch Copper Tubes Limited (KCTL). 'The dual investment structure ensures equal ownership and shared governance, enabling both entities to co-create a future-ready copper tube business, keeping in mind India's vision of improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions,' the statement said. Jeet Adani On Partnership With MetTube Adani Group director Jeet Adani said the partnership with MetTube is a strategic leap towards making India self-reliant in copper tube manufacturing. 'By combining Adani's infrastructure and operational excellence with MetTube's global expertise, we are not just building capacity – we are building capability.' 'India's copper tube demand is growing rapidly, and this alliance strengthens our commitment to the 'Make in India' vision with globally benchmarked manufacturing. Together with Adani, we aim to deliver high-quality, locally manufactured Inner Grooved copper tubes that meet international standards. This partnership reflects our shared ambition for sustainable growth and innovation,' Apurv Bagri, Chairman of Metdist Group, said. The alliance leverages Adani's forward-integrated copper ecosystem – anchored by its 0.5 million tonnes per annum copper refinery project in Mundra – and MetTube's global manufacturing and marketing expertise. 'This synergy will enable scale and speed in copper tube production, besides supporting India's green infrastructure goals by supplying high-performance copper tubes for HVAC, renewable energy, and smart construction applications. The copper tubes produced will cater to critical sectors such as air conditioning, refrigeration, and plumbing, where demand is surging due to urbanisation and climate-responsive infrastructure needs,' the statement added. (With Inputs From PTI) For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Business News on

India-U.K. FTA to bring major gains to MSMEs in engineering, textiles
India-U.K. FTA to bring major gains to MSMEs in engineering, textiles

The Hindu

timea few seconds ago

  • The Hindu

India-U.K. FTA to bring major gains to MSMEs in engineering, textiles

Two major sectors that have a dominant presence of Micro, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (MSMEs) and are expected to gain immensely from the India-U.K. Free Trade Agreement are textiles and engineering. Elimination of tariffs on textiles and garments from the earlier average level of 12% will remove the duty disadvantage that the Indian exporters faced in the UK with competitors such as Bangladesh and Cambodia, said government officials. The segments poised for exponential growth include ready-made garments, home textiles, carpets, and handicrafts. While the U.K.'s total imports of $26.95 billion of textile and clothing are lower than India's global exports of $ 36.71 billion, India still supplies only $1.79 billion to the U.K. With the FTA promising duty-free access and removal of trade barriers, this sector is well-positioned to increase its footprint in the U.K. market, they said. In engineering, 1,659 tariff lines have been made duty-free giving a major boost to exports. Non-ferrous metals like Copper, Aluminium, Nickel, and Zinc, and other base metals will enjoy zero-duty access. The UK will also remove all tariffs on industrial machinery and electrical machinery and in the automotive sector, conventional vehicles and auto components will get duty-free access. The expectation is that the duty-free engineering goods exports will double in five years. The U.K. is India's sixth largest export market for engineering goods with a growth of 12% in 2024-2025 over the previous year. Engineering exports to the U.K. have the potential to nearly double in the next five years reaching over $ 7.5 billion by 2029-2030, they added.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store