In the diverse economic landscape of India, small and micro-enterprises form the backbone of the economy. These enterprises, often run by ambitious individuals, are constantly seeking avenues to grow but capital - the vital ingredient - is scarce. This is where Mudra Loans come in.
In this article, we will dissect the Mudra Loans scheme, its impact, and the challenges it faces.
What are Mudra Loans?
Mudra Loans, or Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Loans, are a financial initiative by the Government of India to provide funding to the non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-enterprises sector. Launched in 2015, the scheme aims to extend affordable credit to individuals looking to set up or expand their business ventures. The primary objective is to foster entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities, especially in the economically underprivileged and socially marginalised sections of society.
Details of the Three Categories of Mudra Loans
Mudra Loans are categorised into three distinct segments, based on the stage of growth and funding needs of the beneficiary micro-unit:
Shishu: This category is for enterprises that are in the nascent stage. Loans up to INR 50,000 are provided under this category.
Kishore: Targeted at businesses that are already established but need additional funds for expansion, Kishore loans range from INR 50,000 to INR 5 lakhs.
Tarun: This category is for relatively established businesses that require further funds for expansion and diversification. The loan amount ranges from INR 5 lakhs to INR 10 lakhs.
Who is Eligible for Mudra Loans?
Small manufacturing units, shopkeepers, fruit and vegetable vendors, artisans
Individuals engaged in agriculture activities (excluding land purchase), small industries
service sector units etc. The applicant must be an Indian citizen and should have a business plan for the enterprise they intend to start or expand.
The Current Interest Rates
As of the writing of this article, the interest rates on Mudra Loans vary between 8.3% to 12.9%. However, it's important to note that the interest rates are subject to change based on various factors such as the RBI's monetary policy, market conditions, and the lending institution's policies.
On ground reality of Mudra Loans - Despite the positive impact, there are several challenges in the implementation of Mudra loans. One major issue is the lack of awareness among potential beneficiaries. Many in rural areas are unaware of the availability of such loans or the process to avail them.
Banks play a crucial role in the distribution and recovery of Mudra loans. However, the pressure to meet targets has sometimes led to indiscriminate lending without proper assessment of the borrower’s repayment capacity.
Bank managers are instrumental in the Mudra loan process. Their role in assessing eligibility, verifying documents, evaluating business viability, and overseeing disbursement is crucial in ensuring that the loans are provided to deserving candidates. Often, these disbursements are executed based on the bank manager's familiarity with and understanding of the borrower, as well as the relationship they share. This limits potential borrower the ability to access these loans
After engaging with our Impact Partners, we identified the key challenges associated with obtaining these loans:
- Mudra loans are inaccessible in remote and tribal regions.
- The demeanour of banking officials towards borrowers is often unwelcoming and harsh.
- The loan process requires extensive documentation, including a mandatory PAN card.
- Officials tend to prioritise concerns about Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) over loan disbursement.
- There's a significant lack of information about Mudra loans within certain communities.
Drawbacks of Mudra Loans
For Borrowers:
One-size-fits-all: Mudra Loans are divided into three categories - Shishu, Kishore, and Tarun, based on the stage of the business. However, these categories are broad and do not take into account the diverse nature of businesses and their unique financial requirements. For instance, two businesses in the Kishore category might have vastly different capital needs, but the loan amount range remains the same.
Stringent Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for Mudra Loans can be stringent, posing challenges for potential borrowers. A solid business plan is mandatory, but not all aspiring entrepreneurs have the expertise to create one. Credit history is a significant factor, but many small business owners, especially in rural areas, lack a credit history. The extensive documentation required can be burdensome, particularly for informal businesses.
For Lenders:
Higher Risk: Mudra Loans are typically unsecured, posing a higher default risk.
Administrative Burden: Handling a large volume of applications can cause administrative challenges and processing delays.
Mudra Loans have been a significant initiative in India's financial landscape, aiming to empower micro and small enterprises. While there is no denying the positive impact in terms of fostering entrepreneurship and generating employment, it is also essential to consider the challenges and limitations associated with the scheme.
From limited funding and stringent eligibility criteria for borrowers to higher risks and administrative burdens for lenders, the scheme has its share of hurdles.