The Indian government has taken certain measures to protect the payments of registered Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). MSME Samadhaan is an online portal created by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) where aggrieved Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can file their applications regarding delayed payments.  The application once filed is forwarded automatically online to the concerned Micro and Small Enterprise Facilitation Council (MSEFC) established by the State/Union Territories as per the provisions of MSMED-Act 2006. Action on the applications regarding delayed payment is taken by the concerned MSEFC only.

MSMED Act, 2006

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act 2006 lays down provisions to deal with the issues relating to delayed payments to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE).

Under this Act, if an MSE buyer makes a delay in payment beyond 45 days, the MSE suppliers can approach the Micro and Small Enterprises Facilitation Council (MSEFC) constituted under the Act in all States or Union Territories.

As per section 20 and 21 of the Act, to settle the disputes pertaining to the filing of complaints regarding delayed payments, the state government shall establish one or more MSEFC.

The Council on receiving a complaint shall either undertake conciliation itself or take the assistance of any other institution. Further, the Council needs to adjudicate each reference made to it within a period of 90 days.

Thus, MSEFC is the authority that implements the provisions of the MSMED Act. Further, the Council is chaired by the director of industries and is assisted by one or more officers or representatives of associations of micro or small industry, persons having specialised knowledge in the field of industry, finance, law, representatives of banks and financial institutions lending to MSEs etc

MSME Samadhaan Portal

The MSME Samadhaan portal was launched on 30 October 2017. The ministry of MSME launched an online portal to enable the MSE suppliers to file an online application against the buyer of goods or services before the concerned MSEFC of their state or Union Territory.

These complaints will be viewed by the MSEFC Council in order to take further actions. Such complaints would also be visible to concerned central ministries, departments, state governments etc for proactive action.

Here is the process to file a case on the MSME Samadhaan portal:

• Access the MSME Samadhaan portal at samadhaan.msme.gov.in/
• Enter your Udyog Aadhaar Number and mobile number as in the Udyog Aadhaar. Fill verification code as displayed and then click ‘validate Udyog Aadhaar’ button. You will get an OTP on your email. Fill the OTP and start filing the case.
• In case you have not registered under Udyog Aadhaar, then first register yourself at udyogaadhaar.gov.in and start filing the case on MSME Samadhaan Portal. Filing of Udyog Aadhaar is mandatory to file applications online on MSME Samadhaan Portal.
• You should have a maximum of three work order and three invoices in PDF to be uploaded on the portal. File size should not exceed 1MB.
• You can check the status of your case by entering Udyog Aadhaar Number or application number.
• The Portal has a dashboard with information about the pending payment of MSEs with individual CPSEs / Central Ministries, State Governments, etc. The CEO of PSEs and the Secretary of the Ministries concerned will also be able to monitor the cases of delayed payment under their jurisdiction and issue necessary instructions to resolve the issues.

Also read: How to overcome common payment overdue challenges

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