Bandhan Bank MD and CEO Chandra Shekhar Ghosh today advised the MSME units in the country to select best chartered accountants, saying "It is not your cost, but an investment."
"The signature of a reputed CA or CA firm boosts banks' confidence. I have also seen MSME units approach banks through agents. That is not the right way. Banks are not comfortable with agents. Connect to the banks directly and you will receive all possible support," Ghosh said.
Addressing the MSMEs, senior government officials and bank executives at the CII-organised MSME FinFest here, Ghosh also spoke in favour of setting up best training institutes and recruit cadre comprising "simple graduates" willing to go to villages and ready to slog.
"There is also a need for building strong road infrastructure connecting cities and villages, ensuring uninterrupted power and creating a top-class IT network. All this will not only increase efficiency in the banking system in villages, but will also deepen trust between bankers and borrowers, leading to a much stronger banking system across the country," Ghosh said.
According to him, with over 51 million units across the country, employing more than 111 people, MSMEs are the engine of growth of economy and employment.
"We all must protect, nurture and promote MSMEs for the overall development prosperity of our country," Ghosh said adding that there is an urgent need for further simplifying loan applications and disbursal procedures.
Ghosh shared that the MSME sector contributes about 6 per cent to GDP, contributes 40 per cent of gross industrial output and 45 per cent of total exports and is second largest employer after agriculture.
"It is well known that a few large corporate houses are the basic reason behind the high NPA rate. As a protective measure banks are not lending to the corporates but the MSMEs are getting badly hit by this," Ghosh said.
Suggesting the MSME members to change their mindset in the current scenario, Ghosh said "Try to avoid the assistance of brokers. They may not be of much help in the longer run.
"Better, if you engage a chartered accountant rather than counting on a broker. Engaging a chartered account is not cost enhancement, but making a good investment. It is a chartered account who will really help you in adhering to all sorts of compliance norms."
"The MSME units have to come out of family managed stage. Professional management, transparency and good governance will help them to win trust of banks," he said.
"After disbursement keep in constant touch with bank. You may not require loan immediately but developing a relationship will help you in long term.
Good proposal - should have leader's vision in it. Your business plan should be perfect and should be futuristic in nature," Ghosh suggested.
Speaking on the occasion, Siva Kumaravel, general manager, Syndicate Bank, admitted to the problem of easy availability of credit. "There exists a knowledge gap, and the expectations of MSMEs and banks do not often match," he said.
He also stressed the need for sensitizing local managers and providing focused training with a view to reviving and rehabilitating MSMEs in the region.
Ashish Agarwal, chairman, CII ER MSME Subcommittee, said, "We have taken up 'Rebuild East, Invest in Development' as the theme of CII Eastern Region this year, and I strongly believe that MSMEs will play a vital role towards achieving it.
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